Investigator – Huntington’s Disease Biology and Therapeutics

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.

The Allen Institute is launching a new moonshot initiative on human brain health and disease. This initiative aims to dramatically accelerate our understanding of human brain structure and function, identify the molecular, cellular and circuit basis of disease progression, and pioneer new therapeutic strategies targeting vulnerable and affected cell types. Our mission focuses on taking a human-centric approach to understanding and treating disease, combining a large-scale open science discovery approach across multiple diseases, AI-based disease modeling, and translational programs in specific diseases to move from discovery to clinical application. We aim to make transformational change in understanding and treating brain disorders, the biggest health challenge of our time.

We are seeking an outstanding individual to lead a new translational program in Huntington’s Disease (HD) focused on genetic therapies targeting disease-affected cell types and molecular programs. The successful candidate will be an established, internationally recognized researcher in Huntington’s disease with a strong track record of research and publication in understanding HD disease mechanisms and in preclinical studies using genetic strategies to attenuate disease progression. This candidate should be a thought leader in the field, have deep relationships with relevant HD foundations, funders and industry players in HD therapeutics, and a strong track record of obtaining funding for HD research. They should be highly motivated and driven to move from findings gleaned from studies of disease characterization to identification of actionable targets, preclinical target advancement and first in human trials.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated team player who is willing to push the boundaries of human neuroscience and disease research through scientific leadership, individual and team contributions and continuing scholarship on the ever-changing landscape. The successful candidate will also have excellent communication skills that can represent our efforts to our stakeholders internally and in external forums.

The Allen Institute offers exceptional working conditions, and nurtures team science in an intellectually rich and stimulating setting. We provide a highly collaborative research environment offering the opportunity to interface closely with our molecular and cell biologists, bioinformaticians, and partner Institutions. This is a Principal Investigator position comparable to a Full Professor in a University/Medical School setting.

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 breakthrough research and deployment of state-of-the-art disease-modifying approaches to treating Huntington’s disease
• Contribute to forming and participating in a larger precision medicine program based on cell-and circuit-targeting therapeutics across multiple diseases
• Advise and mentor a group of scientists and technicians performing molecular, behavioral and other relevant techniques in HD models, ideally combining with selective cellular targeting tools developed at the Allen Institute
• Assist and participate in enabling and optimizing “discovery science” efforts to characterize human HD progression and mechanisms
• Seek and evaluate new cutting-edge techniques in related areas, such as gene regulatory approaches applicable to gene therapy applications
• Work synergistically with bioinformaticians and data scientists
• Publish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetings
• Serve in relevant advisory roles in the HD community
• Present a periodic summary of progress to the research community, Institute executive leadership and external advisors
• Pursue external funding through grant writing and submission to federal and private foundation funding agencies

*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. and/or M.D./Ph.D. in experimental neuroscience or biology, physics, engineering, or related academic or biomedical discipline
• Minimum of eight years relevant experience in experimental and/or computational neuroscience, with supporting publication record
• Domain knowledge of systems, cellular and/or molecular neuroscience, with emphasis on Huntington’s disease
• Proven experience working independently as well as in a collaborative high paced environment
• Demonstrated experience working with outside collaborators to achieve defined objectives

Preferred Education and Experience

• 10 or more years of post-PhD working experience in Huntington’s disease biology
• 10 or more years of experience teaching scientific courses or workshops in formal settings
• Proven track record in procuring funding in the form of grants, awards, and/or contracts
• Proven track record of success publishing in high impact journals
• Excellent management skills and ability to work in a group and interact closely with scientific and technological collaborators
• Proven strong written and verbal communication skills

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment – may require entering labs where experiments take place
• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals may be required
• This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)
• Working at a desk with computer analyzing data

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

Annualized Salary Range

$224,200 - $294,250*

* 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.