Research Associate I

Institute for Systems Biology; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for Systems Biology invites applications for a Research Associate in Seattle. The role focuses on bench research to elucidate how gut microbial metabolites affect human physiology, with a hands-on emphasis on molecular biology and cell culture.

Responsibilities include mouse handling, cloning and protein expression, reagent prep, and mentoring junior staff. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 1+ years of lab experience are required; mice experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, or relevant scientific discipline.
• 1+ years of relevant research experience in a laboratory environment.
• Candidates with prior mice handling experience encouraged to apply.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to keep accurate records with attention to detail.
• Curiosity in science and willingness to learn new techniques are essential.

Responsibilities

• Basic mouse husbandry and phenotyping.
• Molecular biology techniques including cloning and protein expression.
• Preparing lab reagents (buffers, media, plates).
• Maintaining cell lines: propagation, expansion, freezing.
• Training junior members on lab protocols and procedures.
• Support lab operations and safety/compliance tasks.

Skills

Molecular biology

Mouse handling

Record keeping

Lab bench work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Slack

Job description

The Venkatesh lab at the Institute for Systems Biology (https://venkatesh.isbscience.org/) has an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate. We are passionate about elucidating mechanisms by which gut microbial metabolites impact human physiology and health, and we use a broad range of approaches and techniques to explore host-microbiome interactions.

This position involves supporting daily lab operations and research by working at the bench, planning and troubleshooting experiments, and contributing to ongoing research projects.

Responsibilities

• Basic mouse husbandry and phenotyping.
• Performing molecular biology techniques (cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification).
• Preparing lab reagents (buffers, media, plates).
• Maintaining cell lines by propagating, expanding, and freezing cells using sterile techniques.
• Training junior members on laboratory protocols and procedures.
• While this position is focused on performing discovery-based bench science, it will also involve administrative responsibilities related to the smooth operation of the lab (e.g., safety and ordering).

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, or relevant scientific discipline.
• One or more years of relevant research experience in a laboratory environment.
• Individuals with prior experience handling mice are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and keep accurate records with attention to detail.
• Curiosity in science, willingness to learn new techniques, and a commitment to performing rigorous, high-quality science are essential.
• Capability to work flexible hours to accommodate experimental schedules, and a willingness to adapt to changing work requirements.

All ISB staff members are expected to have baseline technical skills and the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately over email, the intranet/forum, etc. Employees should be able to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Slack at a functional level.

Expected Pay: $24-25 per hour

Benefits: https://isbscience.org/careers/benefit-summary/

ISB is an EOE (D/V).