Associate Director, Scientific Operations

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 new Shared Services umbrella will encompass functions vital to the Institute's success, specifically focusing on both cutting-edge Innovation and essential Data Generation with operational excellence and actively responding to evolving scientific needs. By sharing these resources, we aim to streamline processes, leverage institutional expertise, and ensure that our scientific platforms and data pipelines are consistent, efficient, and scalable across all shared resources. This change is expected to unlock new synergies, and ultimately enhance the speed and impact of the Allen Institute's world-class research efforts.

The Associate Director of Scientific Operations is a pivotal role within Shared Resources, with a significant impact on the scientific direction of Shared Resources. The individual in this position will be responsible for ongoing process development & management, coordinating production efforts across Shared Resources and point of contact with finance and legal teams. As a key hire for Shared Resources, the Associate Director will be instrumental in shaping the future, aligning current approaches with the vision for Shared Resources, and ensuring that we move forward in a transparent and collaborative manner.

The Associate Director will work as part of a leadership team including program management, strategic leadership and external governance models. The Associate Director for Scientific Operations, focuses on ongoing operational excellence The Senior Director Shared Resources directs strategic planning, external relationship and scientific direction towards the long term vision. Together with these leaders, will ensure a coordinated approach to drive the success of Shared Resources.

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

• Partner with Shared Resources Leadership and collaborate across the various Allen Institutes accelerators to advocate for and implement the operational structure of Shared Resources
• Coordinate with platform leaders on ongoing production efforts, including capacity management and equipment maintenance and safety compliance
• Direct program manager(s) and support staff, setting clear expectations, delegating tasks effectively, and providing guidance on project execution
• Evaluate services for operational excellence, financial stewardship and their alignment with the Shared Resources mandates by coordinating between platform leaders, finance & legal teams
• Implement metrics and task-management systems to track progress of production efforts, ensuring the impact of Shared Resources is measurable and visible
• Lead communication efforts regarding the operational status of Shared Resources, providing stakeholders with clear updates on milestones and continuous process improvements
• Develop transparent processes and feedback loops to ensure sustainable operational success

Additional Functions

• Identify training needs and foster the professional development of staff to drive the operational excellence essential to the Allen Institute’s brand of data quality and scale
• Assist in the recruitment and onboarding of new staff, ensuring a blend of skills necessary for the Shared Resources vision
• Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with other research institutions, academia, and industry
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of internal documentation, including financial practices, and standard operating procedures

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Immunology, or a related field with demonstrated experience working in large and complex scientific projects with a minimum of 3 years of experience
• Experience in program and alliance management are essential with demonstrated interpersonal and negotiation skills to develop and maintain successful relationships
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting, resource allocation and cost recovery
• Strong understanding of experimental design, data generation and operational excellence
• Experience in establishing and maintaining collaborations with academic and industry partners
• Familiarity with ethical and compliance standards in bioscience research

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced degree (e.g. PhD or MBA) preferred
• Proven leadership or managerial experience with a focus on mentorship and team development
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences
• Exceptional ability to anticipate issues, problem solve, mitigate risk and provide creative solutions

What We Offer

• Amazing Science: You will be a part of the organization that is among the top world leaders in science, conducting cutting-edge research into some of the most important questions facing humanity
• Fun and Rewarding Culture: At the Allen Institute, you'll be part of a vibrant community that values creativity, collaboration, and innovation. We celebrate milestones, recognize achievements, and offer various team-building activities that make work a rewarding experience
• Diverse and Inclusive Environment: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or beliefs
• Open Source Commitment: Our commitment to open science extends to our Shared Resources. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to the innovation of cutting edge technologies and the generation of world beating datasets, making a broader impact on the scientific communities
• Flexible Work Setting: We understand that great work can happen anywhere. That's why we offer flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and adjustable schedules, to help you find the work-life balance that suits you best

Join us to be at the forefront of computational biology research and engineering innovation, all while enjoying a work environment that nurtures growth, inclusivity, and well-being.

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure.
• This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers, office equipment, and lab equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Travel

• Occasional travel to partner sites & collaborators
• Occasional attendance and participation in national and international conferences