Scientist I – Barcoded Connectomics

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 through the integration of experiments, modeling, and theory.

We are seeking an exceptionally creative and motivated Scientist I to join the Barcoded Connectomics team at the Allen Institute for Brain Science. The Barcoded Connectomics team is broadly interested in understanding the wiring logic of long-range connectivity in the brain. Led by Xiaoyin Chen, who developed BARseq (Chen et al., 2019) and BARseq2 (Sun et al., 2021), the team is further developing in situ sequencing techniques and RNA barcoding-based neuroanatomical techniques (i.e. MAPseq and BARseq). Leveraging the cellular resolution and high throughput of these techniques, we aim to unravel the relationship between cell types, gene expression, and projections during development and across species.

The candidate will focus on developing barcoded connectomics approach to enable brain-wide circuit mapping at high resolution. In addition to working within the Barcoded Connectomics team, the candidate will benefit from interaction with other teams at the Allen Institute with complementary expertise in sequencing, transcriptomics, and neuroanatomy. We welcome candidates from diverse scientific background, who may bring their own questions and expertise into the field. Candidates are encouraged to include an optional short research proposal as part of the cover letter describing question(s) they are interested in working on and why the Allen Institute is a good fit for such work.

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 and apply barcoded connectomics techniques to map brain-wide scale connectivity
• Publish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences
• Maintain clear and accurate communication with supervisor, team members, and external collaborators

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

• PhD in neurobiology, medical science, or related fields; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Proficient in Python or MATLAB
• Proficient with in-situ sequencing

Preferred Education and Experience

• Proficient in MS Office programs, Adobe Illustrator
• Minimum 2 years of surgery experience using Brainsight
• Experience in viral tracing techniques
• Experience in working with NHPs
• Experience with and in-depth understanding of fluorescence microscopy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent illustration skills

Work Environment

• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substance
• Exposure to BioSafety Level 2 materials, such as recombinant viruses
• Potential exposure to and handling of live and fixed NHP tissues and mouse tissues
• Potential exposure risk for bloodborne pathogens, e.g. Simian B virus

Animal Care Services

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Occasional evening and weekend hours required
• 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 partner sites for compliance oversight required
• Attendance and participation in national and international conferences 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 note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity offers work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

$84,900 - $105,050 *

* 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.