Sr. Scientist Functional Genomics

Allen Institute•Seattle, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Scientist to lead our enhancer team. The enhancer team is part of a larger effort that includes three experimental flywheel teams and one machine learning team, and that will report into the SeaHub administrative unit. The successful candidate will have a strong background in functional genomics and will oversee our efforts to enable the development of artificial intelligence capability for synthetic enhancer design. They will interact with their team and with other team leads and group leaders to develop project ideas and creatively innovate to shape the enhancer flywheel. Experience with single cell Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRAs) would be helpful, as would experience with a variety of in vitro and in vivo 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.

Requirements

PhD degree in molecular biology, genetics or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
Experience designing and conducting MPRAs
Minimum 8 years of relevant post-doctoral experience
Experience supervising projects and people

Nice To Haves

8 - 10 years relevant post-doctoral experience
Broad familiarity with functional genomics, plasmid library construction, library-based screening, and related methods, especially in mammalian cells
Experience performing molecular biology methods including as many as possible of: library cloning, Golden Gate assembly, Gibson assembly, CRISPR/Cas9-editing, mammalian cell culture, stem cell culture, and NGS library prep
Expertise with multiple 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

Responsibilities

Lead in the development and implementation of our enhancer flywheel, designed to supercharge artificial intelligence capability for synthetic enhancer design
Establish and maintain an enhancer screening operation, incorporating aspects of design, cloning, delivery, and single cell / NGS-based functional evaluation
Collaborate with our machine learning team for seamless integration of design, experimental execution, and analysis
Collaborate with other Allen Institute teams, e.g., the Office of the CTO, Allen Institute for Brain Science, and Allen Institute for Immunology
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

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.

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