Job Description

Scientist III – Synthetic Biology and DNA Assembly

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 the Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology (SeaHub), an initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and start-up style execution. 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 with world-class scientists.

SeaHub is looking for a Scientist III to lead our “Build” team. The “Build” team is part of a larger effort that includes teams focused on expanding our abilities to engineer cells and genomes to autonomously “Sense,” “Write,” “Read,” and “Act” at a molecular level. The successful candidate will have a strong background in synthetic biology or genomics and will oversee our efforts to assemble plasmids, DNA libraries, and large synthetic DNAs to enable biological recording. They will interact with their team and with other team leads and group leaders to develop project ideas and creatively innovate to apply new technologies for DNA synthesis and genome engineering. Experience with developing robotic laboratory pipelines would be helpful, as would experience with next-generation sequencing data generation and analysis as well as with genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas9 or other techniques in mammalian cell culture models. This position requires a collaborative mindset and the ability to work cross-functionally with other research teams to drive project success.

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.

Essential Functions

• Lead in the development or implementation of new technologies to improve the state-of-the-art in DNA synthesis and assembly
• Oversee and assist in the assembly of 1000s of synthetic DNA constructs from the 1kb to 100+ kb scale with methods including Golden Gate assembly, yeast-assembly, and Gibson assembly
• Interface with other platform teams, contributing to design of experiments and synthetic DNA constructs
• Oversee and assist in the construction of libraries for high-throughput screening
• Oversee and assist in analysis of next generation sequencing data to verify synthetic DNA constructs
• Manage laboratory automation for DNA synthesis and assembly
• Establish protocols to engineer mammalian cells with synthetic DNA constructs in vitro
• Train, mentor and motivate others to perform the above functions
• Present scientific results and complex concepts internally in talks and progress reports
• Present results to the external community at conferences and in publications

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 Experience and Education

• PhD degree in molecular biology, genetics or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Minimum 5 years of relevant post-doctoral experience
• Experience supervising projects and people

Preferred Education and Experience

• 5 – 8 years relevant post-doctoral experience
• Familiarity with functional genomics, massively parallel reporter assays, plasmid library construction, library-based screening, or related methods, especially in mammalian cells
• Experience performing molecular biology methods including as many as possible of: library cloning, yeast-assembly of DNA, Golden Gate assembly, Gibson assembly, CRISPR/Cas9-editing, mammalian cell culture, stem cell culture, and NGS library prep
• Expertise in pooled or multiplexed assays, especially in mammalian cells
• Ability to work independently and meet aggressive timelines and deliverables in a collaborative environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with NGS data analysis

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment

Work Environment

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reach
• Possible exposure and handling of laboratory animals
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of the working hours. We are a Washington State employer, and the work location for Allen Institute employees is 700 Dexter Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State

Travel

• The successful candidate may be invited to attend occasional national and international conferences

Additional Comments

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $126,150 - $157,700

* 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 outline 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 Institutes 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 accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs