Assistant Investigator, Proteomics – Allen Institute for Brain Science

The mission of the Allen Institute 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. Built on the foundational knowledge of brain cell types, the mission of the Allen Institute for Brain Science is to conduct a series of large-scale projects designed to create “CAP” (Complete, Accurate, Permanent) datasets and experimental tools; gain fundamental knowledge in the development, evolution, connectivity and function of brain cell types?; move towards a better understanding of mammalian brain function in healthy and diseased conditions?; and disseminate the data, knowledge and tools broadly with the community, to accelerate research across the neuroscience field.?

We seek an exceptional individual who will work with a team and will report to the Executive Vice President and Director of the Allen Institute for Brain Science. This individual will lead efforts in the Proteomics Initiative on novel affinity reagents development, and/or characterization of cell-type specific protein composition and subcellular localization. The proteomic work will provide a critical bridge between the genomic/transcriptomic profiles and the structure/function of brain cell types, leading to both novel insights and foundational resources about the molecular underpinnings of brain circuit function.

The candidate should have an exceptionally strong background in proteomics or protein science, preferably in the context of neuroscience. This person will have an excellent track record of publications and experience in applying for and acquiring funding to support scientific work. The ideal candidate will excel at leading and driving successful projects with internal and external scientific and technological collaborators. And they will fully embrace Allen Institute’s big science, team science, and open science approach.

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

• Lead the development and implementation of high-throughput screening and validation of affinity reagents for proteins of interest in the mouse and human brain
• Lead and/or collaborate with other teams to develop multiplexed protein detection approaches
• Lead and/or collaborate with other teams to develop proximity labeling, mass spectrometry, or imaging approaches to profile proteins in specific cell types and subcellular compartments
• Work collaboratively with other Institute teams to build pipelines and scale up proteomic data collection and analysis
• Present a periodic summary of progress to internal and external research community
• Publish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetings
• Apply for grants as a Principal Investigator

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 Experience

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field with an emphasis on protein science; or an equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant post-doctoral experience
• Strong background in proteomics methods
• Strong proven publication record
• Broad knowledge in molecular biology, cell biology, and neuroscience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in antibody or other affinity reagent development, proximity labeling, mass spectrometry, expansion microscopy, or multiplexed protein detection
• Hands-on experience in wet lab execution of proteomic experiments
• Experience in relevant computational data analysis methods
• Experience in acquiring grants or other external funding
• Exceptional oral and written communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment to meet aggressive timelines
• Ability to guide teams and coordinate activities within and across institutions, including coaching/mentoring junior members

Work Environment

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure.
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)
• Working with dry ice or liquid nitrogen
• Sample handling of the following material, including but not limited to: human whole blood, PBMC, Plasma, nucleic acids, and cells

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This 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 the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

Travel

• Occasional travel to collaborator sites
• Occasional attendance and participation in national and international conferences may be required

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• All 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.

Additional Comments

• Please provide a 1-2 page cover letter with your application
• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity offers visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

$154,550 - $193,150 *

* Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.

Benefits

Employees (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: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

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.