Research Associate III - Precision Medicine Pipeline – Vector engineering and animal models

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 a Research Associate III to join the precision medicine pipeline which aims to develop and test new cell type specific AAVs to treat neurodegenerative brain disorders, such as ALS and Parkinson’s Disease. The ideal candidate will have experience in neuroscience, fluorescence imaging and molecular biology (cloning, immunohistochemistry and western blot). This individual will contribute to the evaluation of therapeutic AAV candidates in cultured cells and in mice. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are 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

• Design, clone, and validate AAV vectors using standard molecular biology techniques
• Evaluate viral vectors in cultured cells
• Perform euthanasia and harvesting of mouse brain regions and peripheral organs for downstream biochemical and histological analyses
• Deliver AAVs to mice using different routes of administration (e.g. retro-orbital and intraperitoneal injection
• Perform and troubleshoot western blot and immunohistochemistry experiments
• Analyze, quantify, and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and imaging software tools
• Maintain detailed and precise experimental records, generate presentations to communicate results, and share results rapidly and transparently with the team

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be provided 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

• Bachelor’s degree in neurobiology, cell biology, biology, biochemistry or related field
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs

Preferred Education and Experience

• 5 - 8 years of research experience in neurobiology, virology, or related field
• Experience with standard cloning techniques
• Experience handling mice, especially mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases
• Experience with sectioning, staining, and imaging mouse brain tissues with fluorescent microscopy
• Experience with protein processing and analysis from cells and/or tissue
• Experience with tissue culture
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to execute work and troubleshoot independently

Work Environment

• Exposure and handling of laboratory animals required
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reach
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; lab equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This is an onsite, M-F, regular business hours. 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 flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

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 does not sponsor work visas **
• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance*

Annualized Salary Range

$76,000 - $93,150 *

* 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.