Senior Research Assistant - Biology

Overview

The Allen Discovery Center is dedicated to the advancement of basic biology and biomedicine, and to using an integrated approach to control biological structure and function. Through a combination of molecular genetics, biophysics, and computational approaches, researchers at the Center work toward multi-level control of patterning. Novel technology is being developed to modulate the bioelectric communication that enables cells to coordinate their activities toward specific anatomical and functional outcomes. Applications in progress include the repair of birth defects, regenerative medicine, cancer reprogramming, and synthetic biology.

What You'll Do

This is a grant-funded and limited-term position through January 31, 2028. There is the possibility of renewal based upon performance and continued funding.

The Senior Research Assistant (SRA) will play a key role in advancing research initiatives within the Levin Lab. As part of a multi-hire initiative, the SRA will serve as a mentor, assist in training junior staff, and support day-to-day laboratory activities. This highly exploratory project operates at the intersection of academia and industry and focuses on the development of Xenobots and related synthetic living systems as biosensors for applications in environmental sensing, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine.

With guidance from senior staff scientists, the SRA will develop and test protocols for Xenobot fabrication and behavior tracking, analyze physiological and behavioral data, and support machine learning pipelines for pattern recognition and predictive modeling. We seek a broad-minded and intellectually curious individual who is enthusiastic about designing new protocols, conducting unconventional experiments, and working across diverse model systems, including cell culture, amphibian-derived synthetic constructs, plants, and algae.

Significant experience with cell culture and sterile techniques is highly preferred. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, the SRA will help develop and refine research techniques and protocols, contribute to experimental design, and independently perform a wide range of specialized and unconventional research procedures. The SRA will analyze and interpret data, assist in preparing materials for publication and presentation, and, with the oversight and support of Senior Staff Scientists and the Principal Investigator, provide work direction to junior laboratory staff while helping ensure the successful execution of project activities.

Conducts exploratory unconventional specialized laboratory experiments

Mentors junior staff and provides work directions to them

Develops research study design, techniques and protocols in collaboration with Principal Investigator

Reviews results and suggests modifications to experiments and protocols where necessary

Oversees collection and data entry of results

Analyzes and interprets data and drafts results of experiments

Writes summaries and material for presentation and publication

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements: Knowledge and experience typically acquired by: Master's Degree in science

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a related field of research

Cell culture and sterile technique

Demonstrated experience in managing and directing basic science research studies and lab operations

Strong organizational, communication, and data management skills

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of and experience with advanced laboratory techniques and procedures, data interpretation and statistical analysis

Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, microscopy, and bioassay design

Familiarity with calcium imaging, synthetic biology, and gene expression systems (e.g., mRNA microinjection)

Pay Range

Minimum $67,200.00, Midpoint $83,900.00, Maximum $100,700.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

This is a grant-funded and limited-term position through January 31, 2028. There is the possibility of renewal based upon performance and continued funding.

The Senior Research Assistant (SRA) will play a key role in advancing research initiatives within the Levin Lab. As part of a multi-hire initiative, the SRA will serve as a mentor, assist in training junior staff, and support day-to-day laboratory activities. This highly exploratory project operates at the intersection of academia and industry and focuses on the development of Xenobots and related synthetic living systems as biosensors for applications in environmental sensing, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine.

With guidance from senior staff scientists, the SRA will develop and test protocols for Xenobot fabrication and behavior tracking, analyze physiological and behavioral data, and support machine learning pipelines for pattern recognition and predictive modeling. We seek a broad-minded and intellectually curious individual who is enthusiastic about designing new protocols, conducting unconventional experiments, and working across diverse model systems, including cell culture, amphibian-derived synthetic constructs, plants, and algae.

Significant experience with cell culture and sterile techniques is highly preferred. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, the SRA will help develop and refine research techniques and protocols, contribute to experimental design, and independently perform a wide range of specialized and unconventional research procedures. The SRA will analyze and interpret data, assist in preparing materials for publication and presentation, and, with the oversight and support of Senior Staff Scientists and the Principal Investigator, provide work direction to junior laboratory staff while helping ensure the successful execution of project activities.

Conducts exploratory unconventional specialized laboratory experiments

Mentors junior staff and provides work directions to them

Develops research study design, techniques and protocols in collaboration with Principal Investigator

Reviews results and suggests modifications to experiments and protocols where necessary

Oversees collection and data entry of results

Analyzes and interprets data and drafts results of experiments

Writes summaries and material for presentation and publication

Basic Requirements: Knowledge and experience typically acquired by: Master's Degree in science

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a related field of research

Cell culture and sterile technique

Demonstrated experience in managing and directing basic science research studies and lab operations

Strong organizational, communication, and data management skills

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of and experience with advanced laboratory techniques and procedures, data interpretation and statistical analysis

Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, microscopy, and bioassay design

Familiarity with calcium imaging, synthetic biology, and gene expression systems (e.g., mRNA microinjection)