Scientist I – Molecular Biology / Genome Engineering

Seattle, WA            ·             Full time

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Scientist I – Molecular Biology / Genome Engineering

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Scientist I – Molecular Biology / Genome Engineering

The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.

Join us in the creation of a new initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and startup-style execution, Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology. Our mission is to reimagine living cells and genomes as devices for recording biology and diagnostic information over time, as well as for encoding real-time therapeutic decision-making. Take off with us as we imagine — and create — a kind of cellular flight recorder that can also seize the controls. Be part of a small dynamic team on the ground floor of a new program with world-class scientists.

We seek a genome engineer to join our “Write” team, to work collaboratively to expand our ability to efficiently store biological records in genomic DNA. The “Write” team will be part of a larger effort that includes teams focused on expanding our ability to engineer cells and genomes to autonomously “Sense,” “Read,” and “Act” at a molecular level.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Essential Functions

• Collaboratively ideate, vet, and execute strategy for expanding genome writing capabilities, including selection or development of editing machinery
• Propose and execute experiments to improve performance of genome writing operations, including improving signal-to-noise and ensuring uniformity of activity across cell types
• Troubleshoot technical barriers to progress in genome writing, such as differentiation-induced silencing
• Maintain a detailed electronic lab notebook and create presentations to summarize progress and frame internal decision-making
• Provide guidance and support to Research Associates and other junior employees as needed

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

• PhD in Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field or equivalent combination of degree and experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 0 – 5 years of equivalent experience
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9/prime editing, mammalian cell culture, stem cell culture, developmental biology or immunology, genomics, and mouse genetics
• Understanding of DNA repair, DNA replication, transcription, epigenetics, and RNA biology
• Familiarity with NGS data analysis
• Expertise in genome engineering, functional genomics and screening, synthetic biology, or related domains, including demonstrated mastery of molecular biology
• Track-record of team-building or debugging team dynamics
• Competence and ability to work in a molecular biology / cell culture laboratory

Work Environment

• May enter laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards, and various chemicals
• Must be willing to work with mice and be comfortable with the use of mice as experimental animals
• Must be willing and able to work safely with BL2 level viral and bacterial preparations

Animal Care Services

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals may be required
• May have pre- and post-operative care for mice responsibilities
• May administer compounds to mice
• May perform health assessments of mice
• May perform euthanasia and tissue collections

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment

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 Allen Institute campus, with flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis. We are a Washington State employer; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Travel

• The successful applicant may be invited to attend occasional national and international 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.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity offers work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

• $77,250 – $108,150 *

* Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with 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 Institute’s Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offerings 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.

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