Research Associate I Molecular Genetics - Virus Production

Allen Institute for Brain Science • Seattle, WA

77d • Onsite

About The Position

The mission of the Allen Institute is to understand the principles that govern life and to advance health. Our creative and multi-dimensional teams focus on answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience. We accelerate foundational research, catalyze bold ideas, develop tools and models, and openly share our science to make a broad, transformational impact on the world. 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 the integration of experiments, modeling, and theory. The Viral Technology team within the Molecular Genetics department supports the needs of multiple teams within the Allen Institute through the production and development of various viral tools. Our main goal is to provide efficient custom recombinant viruses for cell labeling, circuit tracing and functional manipulation in the central nervous system. We are seeking a research associate to join the Viral Technology team in order to meet the increased demand for viral tools. The candidate will be responsible for a wide variety of laboratory tasks and experiments involving the production, purification, titration, and characterization of AAV viruses, lentiviruses and rabies viruses. They should follow good laboratory practice, keep accurate records, and be highly motivated to learn new skills. 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.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in life sciences (e.g., Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Neuroscience, or related field)
• Experience in cell culture and molecular biology

Nice To Haves

• 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory or research environment
• 1-2 years of experience in rodent surgery
• 1-2 years of experience with virus production or in vivo/vitro applications
• 1-2 years of experience in epifluorescence or confocal microscopy
• Basic knowledge of brain anatomy

Responsibilities

• Molecular cloning and DNA/RNA purification
• Maintain different cell lines, including passaging, cryopreservation and thawing
• Produce, purify, and measure the titers of viral preps
• Support in vitro and in vivo virus characterization
• Meet production schedules
• Follow standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institutes 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institutes benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide:

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees