Scientist I – Allen Institute Brain Health

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 is launching a new moonshot initiative on human brain health and disease. This initiative aims to dramatically accelerate our understanding of human brain structure and function, identify the molecular, cellular and circuit basis of disease progression, and pioneer new therapeutic strategies targeting vulnerable and affected cell types. Our mission focuses on taking a human-centric approach to understanding and treating disease, combining a large-scale open science discovery approach across multiple diseases, AI-based disease modeling, and translational programs in specific diseases to move from discovery to clinical application. We aim to make transformational change in understanding and treating brain disorders, the biggest health challenge of our time.

Recent work by the Allen Institute-led Seattle Alzheimer’s disease (SEA-AD) consortium has identified selective vulnerability of specific brain cell types in AD progression. These and other human molecular and histopathological studies have identified specific neocortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neuron subclasses, astrocyte populations, and other emerging cell types that demonstrate early degeneration, synaptic loss, and altered transcriptional states during AD disease progression. We are searching for a Scientist I to join an NIH grant-funded project team to pioneer new approaches for minimally invasive neuron perturbation strategies using “magnetogenetics.” Novel tools will be developed for high level expression of magnetogenetic actuators in selectively vulnerable cell populations in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse models and for exploratory work in human and non-human primate ex vivo brain slice cultures. The team will functionally characterize efficacy of the tools for bidirectional control of neuron firing using the patch-clamp recording technique. This work is supported by an NIH R61/R33 grant mechanism with multi-year funding to be carried out in two phases over 5 years. The Scientist I hire will contribute to various aspects of the project including enhancer-AAV validation and optimization, in vivo mouse expression testing, ex vivo macaque and human brain slice culture testing, single cell RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, imaging, patch clamp electrophysiology, and data analysis. The successful candidate will have excellent problem-solving skills, careful attention to detail, and strong ability to multitask.

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

• Strategy and design for molecular cloning projects to build enhancer-AAVs for magnetogenetic control of neuron or glial function
• Manage enhancer AAV testing, validation, and optimization workflows in collaboration with core teams
• Analysis of scRNA-seq data to evaluate enhancer specificity; utilization of MapMyCells and various brain cell type taxonomies
• Sectioning brain tissues, immunohistochemistry, and imaging
• Patch-clamp electrophysiology in neuron cell culture or brain slices
• Perform data analysis (ImageJ, Excel, R, or Python, etc) and present findings to the team
• Maintain detailed lab notebook and records
• Drive manuscript writing and publication of experimental results in peer-reviewed neuroscience journals

*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 neurobiology, cell biology, biology, biochemistry, or related fields; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Experience with mammalian brain anatomy and standard histology techniques
• Experience with single cell genomics, e.g. Patch-seq, single cell RNA-seq, and/or multiomics
• Experience with brain slice patch-clamp electrophysiology and associated data analysis methods
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Adobe Illustrator for figure generation in support of research publications

Preferred Education and Experience

• 0 - 2 years of relevant postdoctoral experience
• Excellent track record of publication of innovative research in neuroscience or related disciplines
• Advanced expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology or neurophysiology techniques
• Excellent organizational and communication skills

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Work requires proper use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls

Animal Care Services

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory mice required
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections

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 a cart
• Stooping, bending, crouching, sitting

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

• 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

$86,150 - $106,650 *

* 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.