Scientist I – Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

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 the Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology (SeaHub), a new initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and start-up style execution. Our mission is to reimagine living cells and genomes as devices for recording biology and diagnostic information over time, as well as for encoding real-time therapeutic decision-making. Take off with us as we imagine — and create — a kind of cellular flight recorder that can also seize the controls. Be part of a small dynamic team on the ground floor of a new program with world-class scientists.

SeaHub is looking for a Scientist I, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics for the “Read” team. The computational biologist should have a very strong background in each of two areas: 1) next-generation genomic technology development methodology and 2) writing ad hoc and bespoke bioinformatics scripts in Python and R to do detailed bioinformatics analyses of next-generation sequencing data. The role will include leading the effort to process and analyze large amounts of diverse sets of sequencing data (both short-read and long-read) to draw conclusions from wet lab experiments, in close collaboration with teams focused on expanding our abilities to engineer cells and genomes to autonomously “Write,” “Sense,” and “Act” at a molecular level. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing our ability to record lineage and signaling information in the genomes of mammalian cells. This position requires a collaborative mindset, timeline-management abilities, 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.

Essential Functions

• Develop next-generation sequencing analysis scripts and pipelines that run on cloud-based architectures (CodeOcean, AWS)
• Manage cloud-based data transfer and storage on AWS and other cloud-based servers
• Independently perform in-depth bioinformatics analyses on generated sequencing data from wet lab experiments and work with experimental teams to guide project direction
• Develop and disseminate written reports summarizing data processing and analysis results and findings with a reasonable turnaround time
• Develop bespoke computational biology tools and bioinformatics scripts as needed to advance internal research projects
• Follow industry software development and bioinformatics best practices - participate in code reviews, version code, track issues, and write proper documentation
• Troubleshoot technical barriers to progress in the reading of synthetic records
• Maintain a detailed electronic notebook and create presentations to summarize progress and frame internal decision-making
• Mentor and motivate others to perform the above functions

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 Experience and Education

• PhD in genetics, genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Very strong coding ability in R and python

Preferred Education and Experience

• 0 – 5 years relevant post-doc experience
• Expertise in functional genomics and screening, single cell genomics, synthetic biology, or related domains, including demonstrated mastery of molecular biology
• Track record of working as part of a team and understanding the importance of team dynamics
• Understanding how data is generated from wet lab experiments in a molecular biology / cell culture laboratory
• Expertise with AWS and CodeOcean cloud computing
• Outstanding scientific achievement
• Experience with molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, stem cell culture, developmental biology or immunology, genomics, and mouse genetics
• Experience with lineage tracing algorithm development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills combined with capacity for complex, detail-oriented work

Physical Demands

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

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of the working hours. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for Allen Institute employees is 700 Dexter Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Travel

• The successful applicant may be invited to attend occasional national and international conferences