Research Associate I - In Vivo Large-Scale Electrophysiology

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 MindScope program seeks to understand the transformations, sometimes called computations, in coding and decoding that lead from photons to behavior and conscious experience by observing, perturbing and modeling the physical transformations of signals in the cortical-thalamic visual system within a few perception-action cycles.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

The Research Associate will work as part of a highly collaborative operational team and will be responsible for conducting in vivo electrophysiological experiments using Neuropixels silicon probes with mice performing behavioral tasks. The ideal candidate is energized by this unique opportunity to work on a large-scale scientific project with an outstanding team. Our projects are time-sensitive and will be guided by specific deadlines. The experimental work will be standardized and carefully organized to assure a steady rate of data collection. For these reasons, we are seeking candidates who are methodical, meticulous, and dependable with a lot of self-motivation. It is important to be eager to learn new techniques and to be ready to solve the various challenges that arise when dealing with complex biological systems. The Research Associate will work alongside a diverse team of Scientists, Technicians, Engineers, and Investigators, and so collaboration and communication skills are key.

Essential Functions

• Collect in vivo electrophysiological data from mouse visual cortex using high-density silicon probes
• Perform surgical procedures on mice
• Train mice to perform a behavioral task
• Participate to lab maintenance and weekly tasks
• Carry out analyses to assess overall data quality and use this information to update and refine experimental protocols
• Use histological techniques to identify probe recording location
• Contribute to a rigorously scientific, cohesive, and efficient team environment
• Provide reports to supervisor and larger team

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 (BA or BS) in neuroscience or other related life science field
• Basic knowledge of neuroscience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 0 - 2 years equivalent post-bac experience in a research lab
• Strong scientific communication skills (written and oral)
• Experience working with mice, including rodent surgeries
• Demonstrated track record of independent scientific work (e.g., senior thesis or co-authored publication in addition of oral or written reference)
• Evidence of collaborating effectively in a team environment, including working independent and proactive completion of tasks in a research lab
• Experience with careful observation and documentation in a lab environment

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment - possible exposure to chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances.
• This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE) - including wearing respiratory protection for long periods of time

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
• Stooping, bending, crouching

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.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• In keeping with our focus on employee safety, all employees must be up to date with vaccinations against COVID-19 as a condition of employment unless a medical or religious accommodation is approved. All employees will be required to keep their vaccination status up to date according to CDC guidance.

Additional Comments

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

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.