Scientist I – Human Cell Types - Alzheimer's Disease

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.

The Seattle Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Cell Atlas (SEA-AD) consortium strives to achieve a deep molecular and cellular understanding of the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Leveraging advances in quantitative neuropathology and next-generation single cell molecular profiling technologies we are generating large-scale data sets from well-characterized donors that span the spectrum of AD pathology to comprehensively map human brain cell types across aging and disease. These data along with tools for their use are made freely and publicly available. We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to contribute to this effort by designing and executing experiments at the interface of neuroanatomy, single-cell genomics, and histology. The Scientist will generate precisely dissected, high-quality human brain tissue samples, optimize and validate molecular and single-cell assays, and execute experiments (e.g., in situ hybridization, immunostaining) to validate computational findings. Working closely with experts in neuropathology, spatial transcriptomics, and computational analysis, the Scientist will help advance high-resolution molecular atlases of the human brain in health and disease. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in molecular neuroscience, experience with single-cell transcriptomic and/or epigenomic assays, and a working knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease biology. Familiarity with human neuroanatomy and enthusiasm to deepen anatomical expertise are also essential.

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

• Contribute to the design and execution of large-scale single-cell genomics experiments
• Participate in the development and testing of new single-cell methods and protocols
• Optimize protocols for challenging samples, troubleshoot workflows for variable tissue quality, and evaluate tissue and sequencing library quality using standard metrics
• Conduct basic analysis of single-cell genomics data, including benchmarking of new methods
• Design and execute experiments to validate and extend computational results and generate novel biological insights
• Present progress in group meetings and at scientific conferences, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
• Assist in management of tissue acquisition and sample tracking
• Maintain meticulous experimental records to ensure reproducibility across tissue donors and adherence to best practices for tissue handling, biosafety, and data integrity
• Actively contribute to a collaborative environment focused on scientific rigor and methodological innovation

*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 degree in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Genomics, or related field, or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent experimental research and interpreting complex biological data
• Broad knowledge of and experience with single-cell genomics platforms

Preferred Education and Experience

• Proficiency in independently conducting single-cell genomics assays
• Hands-on experience with human postmortem or surgical brain tissue, including dissection, nuclei isolation, and nucleic acid extraction
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex molecular biology protocols and optimize workflows for variable sample quality
• Basic experience or familiarity with multicolor flow cytometry
• Basic familiarity with human neuroanatomy and willingness to expand anatomical knowledge
• Proficiency in tissue sectioning, histological stains, and/or immunofluorescence panel optimization
• Ability to capture and analyze high-quality images using confocal or fluorescence microscopy and to quantify results with ImageJ/Fiji, QuPath, or similar applications
• Experience with Python and/or R for basic data analysis and visualization and an understanding of core single-cell data analysis concepts (e.g., QC, clustering, marker identification)
• Working knowledge of AD pathology and molecular mechanisms of disease
• Excellent communication skills and comfort working in large, multidisciplinary teams to pursue collaborative research goals
• Strong quantitative and organizational skills, with attention to data quality and integrity

Work Environment

• 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 brain tissues, non-human primate brain tissues, human whole blood, PBMCs, plasma, nucleic acids, and cells

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment, repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching or climbing ladders

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.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

$86,150 - $106,650*

* 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