Research Associate II – Synthetic Morphogenesis

alleninstitute; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 66,500 - 81,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Allen Institute is seeking a Research Associate II to contribute to synthetic morphogenesis using human iPS cells and designed biological circuits. The role focuses on molecular engineering, cell line manipulation, and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams to advance morphogenesis research.

Applicants should have hands-on mammalian cell culture and genome engineering experience, with a strong commitment to rigorous data analysis and documentation in a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences field.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture and molecular biology experience.
• 2+ years of full-time research experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to implement designed biological circuits for morphogenetic functions.
• Maintain and test engineered hiPS lines for programs.
• Summarize data and present findings in reports.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to meet project goals.
• Follow SOPs and meticulous documentation.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Genome engineering

3D live microscopy data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in molecular/cell biology/bioengineering

Tools

Genome engineering methods

Job description

Research Associate II – Synthetic Morphogenesis

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 the Allen Institute for Cell Science is to develop a comprehensive and holistic approach to measure, describe, manipulate 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 seek a motivated and versatile Research Associate II with excellent cell culture and genome engineering skills for an interdisciplinary role at the forefront of synthetic biology. This scientist will contribute to a new effort to program these state changes with synthetic biological circuits conferring morphogenetic cell behaviors in human iPS cells. The project will involve designing synthetic biological modules that control the fate specification, dynamics, and spatial patterning of cellular states and enable multicellular morphogenesis to understand and control behaviors associated with cellular morphogenesis in 3D multicellular stem cell cultures. These modules may include combinations of synthetic multistability circuits including MultiFate and related systems, signaling and adhesion systems such as SynNotch and SynCAMs, and various effectors of cellular mechanics. The successful candidate will collaborate within the team to perform experiments and analyses. This position will require creativity with relating these experimental approaches to multicellular systems.

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.

A cover letter detailing your interest in this opportunity is required to be considered.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate to implement designed biological circuits that provide new developmental and morphogenetic functions.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation efforts as a supplemental author.
• Prioritize and perform molecular engineering, cell line engineering as needed for project development.
• Assist in generating, maintaining and quality‑control testing engineered hiPS lines for Synthetic Morphogenesis programs.
• Assist cross‑functional research activities involving various experimental and computational teams.
• Adhere to SOPs and workflows with meticulous documentation.
• Summarize and present data internally and externally as needed, via oral and written reports.
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team and within a program/project management infrastructure to achieve project goals.
• Properly handle hazardous chemicals.

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform 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 molecular, cell biology, bioengineering, or a related biological life science.
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology.
• 2+ years related full‑time research experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Hands‑on experience with human or murine stem cell culture.
• Extensive hands‑on experience and/or high interest level in cell engineering, developmental biology, synthetic biology and/or tissue morphogenesis.
• Hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge genome engineering methods.
• Experience with acquisition and/or analysis of 3D live microscopy data.
• Demonstrated organizational excellence within a research setting.
• Demonstrated excellence as a written and verbal communicator.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and passion for collaborating within a team‑based environment.

Work Environment

• May enter laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers and biohazards.

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds.
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other equipment.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is an onsite role. The primary work location for this role is 700 Dexter Ave N., Seattle, WA. Flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis as needed may be approved by supervisor.
• Occasional work on weekends may be required.

Annualized Salary Range

• $66,500 - $81,350

* Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, 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 401(k) plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institute's Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s 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 accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.