Research Associate I - Lab Animal Services

Allen Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Allen Institute is seeking a Research Associate I for Lab Animal Services to perform high-throughput laboratory tasks and animal care in a regulated setting. You will follow SOPs, maintain precise records, and work under supervision in a team environment to support research programs focused on brain science.

The role emphasizes manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to handle mice, with onsite work at the Seattle-area facility and weekend/holiday hours after training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science or related field.
• 2+ years of related work experience and/or training is preferred.
• AALAS certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Administer compounds to mice using various routes (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv).
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections.
• Provide pre- and post-operative care for mice.
• Maintain accurate lab documentation and reporting.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in life science

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

LIMS

Power Apps

Power Automate

Job description

Research Associate I – Lab Animal Services

The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.

The mission of the Administration team is to enable the people and science of the Allen Institute. We connect teams, steward resources, and build strong systems that give our accelerators the stability and flexibility to pursue ambitious questions, collaborate across disciplines, and share their work openly.

Lab Animal Services comprises two specialty teams, Technical Services and Veterinary Services, that partner to support animal care and research operations. Technical Services focuses on tissue collection and compound administration. Veterinary Services includes responsibilities related to the examination, monitoring and treatment of animals. While each team has primary areas of focus and employees are generally hired, trained, and assigned within one specialty area, Research Associates share a common job framework and may support cross-team activities when appropriate to their training and experience. The essential functions listed below apply to all Lab Animal Services (LAS) Research Associates.

We are searching for a Research Associate I that will be responsible for executing a variety of laboratory tasks and/or experiments in a high-throughput laboratory and animal care environment following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for recognizing and reporting process deviations, recognizing and reporting noncompliance with animal use protocols, and operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. The Research Associate I is expected to comply with regulatory requirements, adhere to SOPs and to work efficiently in a team environment. Excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail and the willingness to work in a deadline-driven atmosphere are mandatory. The Research Associate I is expected to work with little to no supervision on procedural tasks involving handling of mice.

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

• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections
• Unwell animal triage
• Pre- and post-operative care for mice
• Follow SOPs, Work Instructions, Technical Guidance, IACUC protocols, and regulatory requirements
• Perform SOP and non-SOP procedures under limited supervision and/or guidance
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and reporting using established methods
• Work with Supervisor to adhere to appropriate management and prioritization of tasks and time, including daily and weekly scheduling
• Communicate clearly and professionally with stakeholders, both in writing and verbally, regarding assigned tasks and responsibilities
• Perform daily vivarium maintenance, and any shift specific operational procedures after training
• Other duties as assigned

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

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science or related field

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2+ years of related work experience and/or training
• AALAS certification is a plus
• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Knowledge of mouse genetics, anatomy, and behavior
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate level ability with Microsoft Office, Office 365 and SharePoint
• Ability to learn other custom software systems (LIMS, LabTracks)
• Experience with creating and maintaining Power Apps and Power Automate

Work Environment

• Exposure and handling of laboratory animals required
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances
• Some assignments may involve exposure to Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) organisms, such as recombinant viruses, and require the use of additional personal protective equipment, including tight-fitting respiratory protection
• Open office seating

Animal Care Services

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Pre- and post-operative care for mice
• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform health assessments of mice
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections
• Perform daily vivarium maintenance and/or closing procedures

Physical Demands

• Perform assigned duties while wearing required personal protective equipment, which may include scrubs, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, hearing protection, face masks, eye protection, and, for certain assignments, tight-fitting respiratory protection
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; lab equipment
• Push/pull up to 50lbs
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching, or climbing ladders
• Repetitive motion work in lab
• Fine motor skills for precise tissue dissection, animal restraint, and compound administration

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. Seattle, WA 98109
• Weekend and holiday work is required after completion of training
• Participation in a rotating on-call schedule is required after completion of training
• Employees will be assigned an 8-hour shift beginning anytime between 5:30am and 9:30am including weekends and holidays as needed to meet operational requirements
• Assigned shift may change when needed to meet operational requirements
• This is a critical job and expected to report for work regardless of weather and/or other conditions

Travel

• Occasional travel to local conferences

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

All employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required. Employees assigned to duties requiring tight-fitting respiratory protection must successfully complete applicable medical clearance and respirator fit testing. When performing these duties, employees must maintain facial hair in a manner that does not interfere with the respirator fit, face seal, or valve function.

Additional Comments

**Please note, this opportunity does not offer relocation assistance**

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

Annualized Salary Range

$54,250 - $66,450*

* 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 Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide:

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.