Research Associate II – Genomics/Proteomics

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 motivated and technically skilled Research Associate to contribute to the development and optimization of proteomics and single-cell genomics methods. The successful candidate will work as member of a multidisciplinary team across multiple large-scale research projects profiling cell types in the mouse brain from development to aging.

This position offers the opportunity to work at the leading edge of high-throughput molecular biology. The Research Associate will contribute to parallel pipelines in quantitative proteomics and single-cell transcriptomic or multiomic workflows, developing, optimizing, and benchmarking experimental protocols that generate high-quality, reproducible data for a range of collaborative projects.

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

• Develop and optimize proteomics workflows, including sample preparation, protein extraction, labeling, and LC-MS–based analysis
• Establish, refine, and maintain single-cell and single-nucleus genomics protocols (e.g., dissociation, nuclei isolation, library preparation, QC)
• Perform systematic benchmarking, QC, and troubleshooting to improve data yield and quality
• Maintain detailed experimental documentation and ensure reproducibility across projects

*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 life science (e.g., Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Genetics), or related field
• Experience with single cell genomics or proteomics methods development
• Proficiency in Python or R and Linux shell scripting
• 2 years of experience in a research setting

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2-4 years of related experience
• Experience with molecular lab techniques such as PCR, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis, imaging, western blot, cell/nuclei isolation, and Flow Cytometry
• Familiarity with cloud computing environments
• Knowledge about RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and/or ChIP seq high throughput data analysis

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
• May handle laboratory animals or animal specimens

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 and tissue collections

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 10 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment, repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Stooping, bending, crouching, reaching
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment

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.

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.

Annualized Salary Range

• $66,500- $81,350*

* 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.