Scientist I – High-throughput protein binder design and generation for tissue labeling

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 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 for discovery neuroscience. Knowledge, data, models and tools will be widely shared, in part to support the development of therapies for brain disorders.

We are seeking a Scientist to lead a ground-breaking project that uses innovative approaches to label specific proteins in compartments of individual neurons - combining fine-scale neuronal morphology with transcriptomics and proteomics. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest and knowledge of protein design, production, and characterization, exemplarily leadership skills, and be team oriented. The successful candidate will work closely with expert Microscopists, Data Scientists and Engineers as well as Biologists to generate foundational data to contribute to our understanding of how protein composition in neurons contribute to computations within multi-regional circuits during behavior.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences, and backgrounds. Progress in science benefits from multiple perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Essential Functions

• Develop innovative approaches to designing and generating high-affinity protein binding reagents using start-of-the-art machine learning techniques
• Create a semi-automated pipeline for high-throughput protein production, purification, and affinity characterization
• In collaboration with Scientists, apply binders to label and visualize proteins in brain tissue prepared with expansion (hydrogel) chemistry
• Design experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results and collaborate with scientists and engineers to improve data and analysis workflows
• Train team members to perform procedures
• Communicate results rapidly with high-level of transparency both internally and with collaborators
• Present results internally, via talks and progress reports, and to the external community, via conferences and publications

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 in neuroscience, biological sciences, biomedical engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Ability to work at the bench >80% of the time

Preferred Education and Experience

• Strong understanding of statistics and data science
• Ability to write reusable code in Python
• Demonstrated proficiency in conducting collaborative, multidisciplinary research
• Proficient in computational protein design and general protein biochemistry
• Experience with image processing and scientific figure generation software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience mentoring and training others
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-science environment
• Strong publication record

Work Environment

• May enter laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards

Physical Demands

• 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

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

• Attendance and participation in national and international conferences required

Additional Comments

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $83,250 - $103,000 *

* 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.