Research Associate II – Neurobiology of Action

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 Neural Dynamics is focused on fundamental discoveries in systems neuroscience. We are interested in how the brain builds our understanding of the complex world to guide the flexible behaviors that address our biological needs. The answers will be in terms of defined neuron types and circuits interacting across the whole brain and body. We will develop next-generation methods and theories and employ a team-based approach to discovery neuroscience. Knowledge, data, models, and tools will be widely shared to support the development of therapies for brain disorders.

We are seeking a Research Associate II that will work directly with the Neurobiology of Action team to support a project aimed at dissecting the neural circuit mechanisms underlying peripheral organ control. The ideal candidate will be team-oriented, have knowledge in neuroscience and immunology, and a strong interest in mapping, and probing brain-wide circuits and peripheral organ activity. The goal is to make fundamental discoveries about identified cell types within brain circuits during brain-body interactions.

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

• Perform experiments involving carefully controlled mouse behavior and surgical procedures
• Perform sample collection, tissue dissections and injections
• Perform processing of mouse tissue
• Develop and follow SOPs, good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements
• Run well established data analysis pipelines, contribute to new pipeline development
• Review and analyze data, participating in quality control and troubleshooting of processes and results
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and reporting using established methods
• Present and summarize results
• Adhere to a team schedule, appropriately manage time and prioritize tasks with minimal supervision

*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

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biological sciences or related field
• 2 years of experience working in a laboratory setting with mice
• Basic knowledge of neuroscience and/or immunology

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2-5 years of experience working in a laboratory setting with mice
• Practical experience in a laboratory with mouse surgery and behavior
• Experience with peripheral organ work, including dissections and tissue collection
• Experience with dissections and manipulations under a microscope
• Competence and ability to work in a molecular biology laboratory
• Exceptional manual dexterity
• Strong scientific communication skills (written and oral)
• Strong interpersonal and organization skills, careful attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

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

Animal Care Services

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform euthanasia, surgical procedures and tissue collections
• Perform behavioral experiments

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.
• Push/pull up to 50 pounds on a cart
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching or climbing ladders

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.

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

• $65,500 - $80,150 *

* 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.