Research Associate II - Experimental Immunology

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 Immunology is to advance the fundamental understanding of human immunology through the study of immune health and diseases where excessive or impaired immune responses drive pathological processes. The Institute will employ a multi-disciplinary team approach in collaboration with academic centers of human immunology to generate novel mechanistic insights into immune responses in health and in diseases such as autoimmunity or oncology. The Institute will simultaneously provide a foundational data set and tools for future immunological research as well as a novel collaboration portal for the broader scientific community.

The Allen Institute for Immunology is looking for a Research Associate II (RA-II). The RA-II will be part of a multidisciplinary team and will be responsible for performing core lab techniques. This will include cell culture, multi-parameter flow cytometry, and other basic laboratory techniques including gel electrophoresis, western blotting, ELISA, etc. in addition to participating in the general operation and maintenance of the laboratory. Experience with basic molecular/cell biology techniques including plasmid preparations, transfection, etc. is a plus.

Opportunities exist for the exceptional candidate to actively contribute to the analysis and interpretation of data from our longitudinal healthy, autoimmune, and cancer cohorts and gain experience with spectral cytometry, single-cell sequencing, etc. The RA-II is responsible for executing a wide variety of laboratory tasks and/or experiments in a high-quality production environment following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for recognizing process deviations, participating in troubleshooting, and operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. The RA-II is expected to comply with regulatory requirements, adhere to numerous SOPs, be capable of successfully contributing in a near GLP environment, and to work efficiently as a member of a team.

A successful candidate possesses excellent attention to detail and the eagerness to work in a Team Science, deadline-driven atmosphere. 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 Processing and culture of primary human immune cells from blood, bone marrow and biopsy specimens Culture and maintenance of multiple, diverse cell lines Development and execution of functional testing in human immune cells Use of high-complexity, multicolor flow cytometry to characterize the numbers, state, and function of human immune cells Use of platforms to measure protein expression and function (ELISA, MSD, Luminex, Western blotting, etc.) Use of Microscopy to evaluate cell morphology and function Follow standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices Meet experimental and data production schedules Keep excellent experimental records Support discovery and hypothesis-driven projects as a part of the Experimental Immunology core team 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 field 2 years of relevant post-undergraduate research experience Background in Immunology with a working knowledge of immune cell types and functions, cytokines and chemokines, and intracellular signaling mechanisms in immune cells Experience with cell culture techniques, especially relating to T, B, NK, myeloid, and/or APC cells Hands-on experience with flow cytometers and data analysis using FlowJo or equivalent Preferred Education and Experience Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills Master’s degree or equivalent education experience Strong organizational and communication skills Excellent work ethic displayed as a reliable, self-motivated, enthusiastic team player 1 year experience working in a GLP or CLIA regulated environment Experience with data analysis software packages like GraphPad Prism or equivalent preferred Demonstrated ability to work in a team and to prioritize and balance multiple complex projects and tasks Work Environment Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE) Working with dry ice or liquid nitrogen Sample handling of the following material, including but not limited to: human whole blood, PBMC, Plasma, nucleic acids, and cells Physical Demands Occasional lifting to 30 pounds Bench top lab work requires repetitive multi-channel pipetting, single channel pipetting, computer data entry, and working in PCR and BSC hoods 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 evening and weekend 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 the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

Annualized Salary Range $ $58,950 - $78,600 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