Allen Institute For Brain Science Seattle , WA 98113
Posted 5 days ago
Research Associate I Transgenic Colony Management
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.
The mission of the Allen Institute for Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. Using a big science approach, we generate useful public resources, drive technological and analytical advances, and discover fundamental brain properties through integration of experiments, modeling and theory.
We are seeking a Research Associate (RA) to be a member of the Institutes transgenic colony management (TCM) team. This team manages a large breeding colony comprised of >400 transgenic mouse lines to meet the research and data production goals of the Institute. The Research Associate I is responsible for executing a variety of laboratory tasks and/or experiments in a high-throughput mouse breeding colony and animal care environment (vivarium), following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions (WI). Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for forecasting breeding colony needs, recognizing process deviations, participating in quality control (QC) and troubleshooting efforts, and operation of laboratory instrumentation.
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
Perform daily colony management and maintenance tasks including tail biopsy collection and paw tattooing of mice, weaning of new litters, etc.
Maintenance of health and behavior performance records, including genotyping data
Perform colony management duties including planning and execution of sophisticated breeding strategies
Attend internal scientific project team meetings and interact with scientists, principal investigators, and the veterinarian to meet all transgenic colony needs
Phenotyping of new transgenic mouse lines
Composition of, and adherence to, work instructions, SOPs, and training documents
Follow good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements in accordance with the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Performance of non-SOP procedures under limited supervision and/or guidance
Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and reporting using established methods
Work with Supervisor to appropriately manage and prioritize tasks and time, including daily and weekly scheduling
Training of new or existing TCM staff, commensurate with experience
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects managements assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelors degree in life sciences, or related discipline
Basic knowledge of mouse genetics and anatomy
Basic level ability with MS Office, MS Access and ability to learn other custom software systems (LabTracks, LIMS)
Preferred Education and Experience
0-2 years of related work experience
1 year direct experience with animal handling in a mouse breeding colony setting
Experience working in a research environment
Knowledge of molecular biology (e.g. PCR, genotyping, mouse transgenesis) preferred
Administration of compounds to mice (i.v., i.p., s.c., p.o., i.m.)
Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment
Positive attitude, self-starter, demonstrated attention to detail, and ability to trouble-shoot
Outstanding oral and written communication skills
Proficiency with Lab Tracks strongly preferred
Work Environment
Laboratory environment - possible exposure to chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances
Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
This position will require wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)
Animal Care Services
Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
Perform health assessments of mice
Physical Demands
Occasional lifting - up to 30 pounds
Standing for extended periods of time
Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment, repetitive motion with lab equipment and instruments
Stooping, bending, crouching
Reaching, or climbing ladders
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is an essential job and expected to report for work regardless of weather and/or other conditions
Occasional holiday hours required
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., with flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Annualized Salary Range
Benefits
Allen Institute For Brain Science