Research Associate Image-based Assay Developer

Research Associate Image-based Assay Developer

The mission of the Allen Institute is to understand the principles that govern life and to advance health. Our creative and multi-dimensional teams focus on answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience. We accelerate foundational research, catalyze bold ideas, develop tools and models, and openly share our science to make a broad, transformational impact on the world.

The mission of Allen Institute for Cell Science is to develop a comprehensive and holistic approach to measure, describe, and model cell states and their dynamic changes over time. Our ultimate goal is to uncover the fundamental principles of multiscale, multicellular morphogenesis, including how groups of cells organize and achieve collective behaviors essential for life. Our approach encompasses multi-modal data collection including live 3D timelapse imaging, data analysis, theory, and predictions to understand cell states and cell state transitions in human induced pluripotent stem cell models. As a division within the Allen Institute, the Allen Institute for Cell Science uses a team-oriented approach, focusing on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a transformational impact on science.

We are looking to hire a Research Associate I to contribute to developing robust and quantitative image-based assays of key cellular activities amenable to scale-up and integration into live-cell high-throughput microscopy pipelines. The role includes cell culturing of undifferentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and fluorescence microscopy-based imaging of hiPSC, including support of imaging automation and pipeline image acquisition. The role also includes assisting in cell biological quality control of gene-edited hiPS cell lines generated by the Institute using western blotting, immunofluorescence, live-cell microscopy, and general development of cell-based assays. This role requires cross-team interaction with the Institutes technical and programmatic teams to achieve the Institutes matrixed, programmatic objectives.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly.

We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Assist in developing robust protocols and reproducible image-based assays of cell organization, dynamics, activities, and function
• Assist in cell culture operations for image-based assay development, working closely with other teams at the Institute
• Assist in cell biological quality control workflow for gene-edited hiPS cells
• Assist in microscope-based data collection and analysis of assay observations
• Collaborate with other teams in the Institute to scale-up protocols into a high throughput microscopy pipeline
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards
• Maintain meticulous records and work closely with other scientists to coordinate complex experiments
• Adherence to SOPs, GLPs and regulatory requirements
• Contribute to the implementation of an image management system
• Coordinate with other programs in the Institute to ensure seamless integration and sharing of resources and data

*Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects managements assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.*

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree required in a biological science, physics, chemistry, or related field
• 3 months of hands-on cell culture experience
• 3 months of hands-on microscopy experience
• Experience performing image-based cell biological assays

Preferred Education and Experience

• 3 months to 2 years of relevant experience preferred
• Background in cell biology
• Experience performing standard cell biology techniques including western blotting and immunofluorescence
• Experience with stem cell tissue culture
• Proficiency in microscopy, especially with confocal and spinning disk microscopes
• Experience with 3D live-cell imaging techniques
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific findings to internal and external groups
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific journal articles
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and reassign priorities as needed of dynamic demands
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruction
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment

Work Environment

• Work will be conducted in a laboratory environment, including potential exposure to hazardous materials, biohazards, and lasers

Physical Demands

• Sitting or standing for up to 2 hours at a time at a tissue culture hood, microscope, or desk
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to manipulate culture plates and pipettors
• Push/pull up to 50 lbs on a cart
• Stooping, bending, crouching into incubators, freezers, refrigerators
• Reaching into incubators, freezers, and refrigerators

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity does not offer relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity does not offer work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

• $ 53,450- $ 65,450*

• Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institutes 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institutes benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.