Research Associate I – Transgenic Colony Management

Research Associate I – Transgenic Colony ManagementThe mission of the AllenInstitute 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 integration of experiments, modeling and theory.We are seeking a Research Associate (RA) to be a member of the Institute's transgenic colony management (TCM) team. This team manages a large breeding colony comprised of >400 transgenic mouse lines to meet the research and data production goals of the Institute. The Research Associate I is responsible for executing a variety of laboratory tasks and/or experiments in a high-throughput mouse breeding colony and animal care environment (vivarium), following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions (WI). Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for forecasting breeding colony needs, recognizing process deviations, participating in quality control (QC) and troubleshooting efforts, and operation of laboratory instrumentation.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 FunctionsPerform daily colony management and maintenance tasks including tail biopsy collection and paw tattooing of mice, weaning of new litters, etc.Maintain health and behavior performance records, including genotyping dataPerform colony management duties including planning and execution of sophisticated breeding strategiesAttend internal scientific project team meetings and interact with scientists, principal investigators, and the veterinarian to meet all transgenic colony needsPerform phenotyping of new transgenic mouse linesCompose and adhere to work instructions, SOPs, and training documentsFollow good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements in accordance with the "NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals"Perform non-SOP procedures under limited supervision and/or guidanceMaintain accurate laboratory documentation and reporting using established methodsWork with Supervisor to appropriately manage and prioritize tasks and time, including daily and weekly schedulingTrain new or existing TCM staff, commensurate with experience*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 ExperienceBachelor's degree in life sciences or related disciplineBasic knowledge of mouse genetics and anatomyBasic level ability with MS Office, MS Access and ability to learn other custom software systems (LabTracks, LIMS)Preferred Education and Experience0-2 years of related work experience1 year direct experience with animal handling in a mouse breeding colony settingExperience working in a research environmentKnowledge of molecular biology (e.g. PCR, genotyping, mouse transgenesis) preferredExperience administering compounds to mice (i.v., i.p., s.c., p.o., i.m.)Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environmentPositive attitude, self-starter, demonstrated attention to detail, and ability to trouble-shootOutstanding oral and written communication skillsProficiency with Lab Tracks strongly preferredWork EnvironmentLaboratory environment - possible exposure to chemical, biological, or other hazardous substancesPossible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant virusesThis position will require wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)Animal Care ServicesExposure to and handling of laboratory animals requiredPerform health assessments of micePhysical DemandsOccasional lifting - up to 30 poundsStanding for extended periods of timeFine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment, repetitive motion with lab equipment and instrumentsStooping, bending, crouchingReaching, or climbing laddersPosition Type/Expected Hours of WorkThis is an essential job and expected to report for work regardless of weather and/or other conditionsOccasional holiday hours requiredThis 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 flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.Additional Eligibility QualificationsAll employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.Annualized Salary Range$53,450- $65,450*Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with work location, where applicable.BenefitsEmployees (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: 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.