Scientist I – Light microscopy/Tissue expansion – Neural Coding

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 Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. Using a big science approach, we generate useful public resources, drive technological and analytical advances, and discover fundamental brain properties through the integration of experiments, modeling, and theory.

We are seeking a scientist to work on developing capabilities for large-scale imaging of neuronal structure using light microscopy, tissue expansion (including dual-stage super-expansion), and multi-round antibody staining. The goal of the research is to create the technologies for spatial proteomics at a range of effective resolutions, including the nanoscale. We are a dynamic multi-disciplinary team with deep expertise in studying neuronal connectivity (connectomics), and cell-type classification.

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.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with others to develop and deploy tissue-processing and imaging technologies to be applied to a diverse range of scientific projects
• Collaborate closely with microscopy/imaging and computational teams to create complete pipeline for large-scale data collection and analysis
• Oversee data collection for specific scientific projects
• Work closely with a team of anatomists, physiologists, theoreticians and modelers to analyze and interpret the relationship between structure and modalities of cells such as molecular and physiology properties
• Publish/present findings in peer-reviewed journals/scientific conferences

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. List the essential functions

Required Education and Experience

• PhD in Neuroscience, Physics, Chemistry or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Deep experience with light-microscopic approaches to neuroanatomy, including immunofluorescence and expansion microscopy
• Experience with multi-stage, super-expansion microscopy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with working with a team to develop complex technical goals

Work Environment

• 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
• Sample handling of the following material, including but not limited to fixed and unfixed human and experimental-animal tissue samples

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 60 pounds
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching or climbing ladders
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required

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 partner sites for research collaborations required
• 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 - $103,150

* 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.