Research Associate II – Synthetic Morphogenesis

Research Associate II – Synthetic Morphogenesis

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 Multi Fate and related systems, signaling and adhesion systems such as Syn Notch 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.

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.
• May enter laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers bi hazards.

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 401k 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: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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.