Scientist I – Experimental Immunology – Tissue Biology

Scientist I – Experimental Immunology – Tissue Biology

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 employs a multi-disciplinary team approach in collaboration with academic centers of human and mouse immunology to generate novel mechanistic insights into the immune system in health and in diseases such as autoimmunity or oncology. The Institute simultaneously provides foundational data sets and tools for future immunological research as well as a novel collaboration portal for the broader scientific community. For details about the Institute’s research plans and partners, visit https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/immunology/.

The Allen Institute for Immunology is seeking a Scientist I (Sci I) tissue biologist to join a team focused on investigating human intestinal immunity in health and disease. We utilize cutting edge spatial biology assays to interrogate immune system activity in the intestines of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis). The Sci I will be responsible for motivating and pursuing mechanistic studies relevant to human IBD, with a focus on sophisticated in vitro tissue culture systems to study the activities of intestinal immune cells and their interactions with other tissue cell types such as epithelium and fibroblasts. Independently and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, the Sci I will use a variety of assays to understand these systems, including flow cytometry, protein assays, microscopy, transcriptomics, and mouse models, as appropriate. Conceptualizing and answering research questions are critical to this position, founded in our own data and continuing scholarship, and communication both internally and externally will occur throughout. Participating in the general operation and maintenance of the laboratory is also important to this role. The successful candidate possesses creative thinking, self-motivation, independence, and attention to detail, leveraging the exceptional resources and team science atmosphere of the Allen Institute for Immunology.

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 intestinal tissue and cells from the intestine and blood, as well as culture of diverse cell lines
• Development and use of long-term cultures of primary epithelium, fibroblasts, and other cells for perturbation experiments and co-culture with immune cells
• Use of advanced culture techniques such as organoids and organ-on-a-chip systems
• Analysis of primary cells and culture systems by flow cytometry, protein assays (ELISA, MSD, bead array, western blot), microscopy, and sample preparations for single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics
• Follow standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices
• Maintain detailed experimental records using notebooks and ELN/LIMS systems
• 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

• Ph.D. or equivalent combination of degree and experience in a life sciences discipline

Preferred Education and Experience

• 0-2 years of experience with long-term cell culture techniques, especially as related to tissue cell types such as epithelium, endothelium, and fibroblasts
• Background in Immunology with a working knowledge of immune cell types and functions
• Experience with data analysis software packages for charting, cytometry, and/or image analysis
• Excellent work ethic displayed as a reliable, self-motivated, enthusiastic team player

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• The use of personnel protective equipment (PPE) (laboratory coat, gloves, goggles) while in the laboratory
• Working with dry ice and liquid nitrogen
• Sample handling of the following human material, including but not limited to: live and fixed tissue, whole blood, PBMC, plasma, nucleic acids, and cells

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers, other office equipment, repetitive motion with lab equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• May need to work outside of standard working hours at times
• 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.

Additional Comments

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $84,900 - $105,050 *

• 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. 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.