Allen Institute
Senior Research Associate – High Throughput Screening
Allen Institute, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Senior Research Associate – High Throughput Screening
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 our artificial intelligence powered lab, an initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and start‑up style execution. Our mission is to apply machine learning to biological design. Join us as we build a series of interconnected design‑test‑loop “flywheels” that enable design of synthetic enhancers, protein binders, and more.
We are looking for a Senior Research Associate to join our synthetic enhancer flywheel. The Associate will work in the laboratory to clone and screen Massively Parallel Reporter Assay (MPRA) libraries in a variety of biological models from cell lines to multicellular in‑vivo models to mouse in‑vivo. They will optimize library delivery, process RNA and DNA through generation of Illumina sequencing data for model training, and then evaluate model success by testing designed sequences using ddPCR, flow cytometry, and other molecular biology assays as a readout. They will be on the cutting edge of high‑throughput screening, optimizing workflows in new multicellular models as the active learning needs for the AI model evolve.
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
Develop advanced high‑throughput screen capabilities in multicellular models, preferably with single‑cell readout (e.g., mouse in‑vivo, gastruloids, embryoid bodies, teratomas)
Design validation experiments to benchmark performance of synthetic enhancer design AI models
Maintain and propagate human cell lines, optimize and perform plasmid DNA transfections and viral transductions
Perform advanced genomics protocols (e.g., custom amplicon sequencing, RNA‑seq, single‑cell RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq)
Independently execute molecular biology protocols, including molecular cloning, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, ddPCR
Troubleshoot technical barriers in the generation of high‑quality NGS libraries, from library delivery to cell lines through NGS library generation
Review and analyze data, participating in quality control and troubleshooting of processes and results
Contribute to the development of new protocols as needed
Present results and summarize progress to help frame internal decision‑making
Comply with SOPs, good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements
Adhere to a team schedule and individual time management
Maintain accurate laboratory documentation using established methods
Other duties as assigned
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field
6 years of relevant experience
Preferred Education and Experience
Master’s degree in Cell Biology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field
8+ years of relevant experience
Experience in a TechBio setting where wet‑lab experiments primarily serve to build AI models
Experience optimizing pooled high‑throughput screening workflows
Experience performing molecular biology methods including molecular cloning (such as restriction cloning, Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate assembly, plasmid prep)
Experience cloning complex libraries is a plus
RNA isolation, DNA isolation, and PCR
Track‑record of being an effective team member
Competence and ability to work in a molecular biology/cell culture laboratory
Experience with nucleic acid sequencing, especially custom amplicon sequencing
Experience performing cell biology methods including mammalian cell culture, murine embryonic stem cell culture, primary cell culture, nucleofection, and lipofection
Physical Demands
Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office/lab 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 requires onsite work and is expected to work onsite for the majority of the working hours. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary 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
$92,250 – $114,100*
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 401(k) 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
Benefits Guide .
EEO Statement 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.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries Biotechnology Research, Research Services, and Non‑profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Join our artificial intelligence powered lab, an initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and start‑up style execution. Our mission is to apply machine learning to biological design. Join us as we build a series of interconnected design‑test‑loop “flywheels” that enable design of synthetic enhancers, protein binders, and more.
We are looking for a Senior Research Associate to join our synthetic enhancer flywheel. The Associate will work in the laboratory to clone and screen Massively Parallel Reporter Assay (MPRA) libraries in a variety of biological models from cell lines to multicellular in‑vivo models to mouse in‑vivo. They will optimize library delivery, process RNA and DNA through generation of Illumina sequencing data for model training, and then evaluate model success by testing designed sequences using ddPCR, flow cytometry, and other molecular biology assays as a readout. They will be on the cutting edge of high‑throughput screening, optimizing workflows in new multicellular models as the active learning needs for the AI model evolve.
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
Develop advanced high‑throughput screen capabilities in multicellular models, preferably with single‑cell readout (e.g., mouse in‑vivo, gastruloids, embryoid bodies, teratomas)
Design validation experiments to benchmark performance of synthetic enhancer design AI models
Maintain and propagate human cell lines, optimize and perform plasmid DNA transfections and viral transductions
Perform advanced genomics protocols (e.g., custom amplicon sequencing, RNA‑seq, single‑cell RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq)
Independently execute molecular biology protocols, including molecular cloning, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, ddPCR
Troubleshoot technical barriers in the generation of high‑quality NGS libraries, from library delivery to cell lines through NGS library generation
Review and analyze data, participating in quality control and troubleshooting of processes and results
Contribute to the development of new protocols as needed
Present results and summarize progress to help frame internal decision‑making
Comply with SOPs, good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements
Adhere to a team schedule and individual time management
Maintain accurate laboratory documentation using established methods
Other duties as assigned
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field
6 years of relevant experience
Preferred Education and Experience
Master’s degree in Cell Biology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field
8+ years of relevant experience
Experience in a TechBio setting where wet‑lab experiments primarily serve to build AI models
Experience optimizing pooled high‑throughput screening workflows
Experience performing molecular biology methods including molecular cloning (such as restriction cloning, Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate assembly, plasmid prep)
Experience cloning complex libraries is a plus
RNA isolation, DNA isolation, and PCR
Track‑record of being an effective team member
Competence and ability to work in a molecular biology/cell culture laboratory
Experience with nucleic acid sequencing, especially custom amplicon sequencing
Experience performing cell biology methods including mammalian cell culture, murine embryonic stem cell culture, primary cell culture, nucleofection, and lipofection
Physical Demands
Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office/lab 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 requires onsite work and is expected to work onsite for the majority of the working hours. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary 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
$92,250 – $114,100*
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 401(k) 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
Benefits Guide .
EEO Statement 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.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries Biotechnology Research, Research Services, and Non‑profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr