Research Associate I – Brain Health

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 Allen Institute is launching a new 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.

We seek an outstanding Research Associate I to join the Brain Health team to conduct investigational studies of the impact of novel interventions on the molecular, cellular and behavioral progression of Huntington’s Disease mouse models and cell culture systems. The specific intervention being tested in this project involves treating mice with virally delivered experimental constructs, to establish the extent to which different versions of these constructs ameliorate Huntington’s Disease relevant phenotypes in live mice and tissues derived from them. In parallel to these mouse experiments, the candidate will conduct cell culture experiments in immortalized mammalian cell culture to test novel Huntington’s Disease treatment strategies using molecular and microscopic analyses. Training in mouse models and cell culture will be provided, but experience with mouse models, microscopy and cell culture are preferred. The candidate will be detail oriented, capable of rigorously documenting their work, and possess high integrity to ensure data quality. The candidate must also be a great communicator in both written and spoken communications with the team.

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

• Help maintain a colony of Huntington’s Disease model mice as part of a small team
• Perform euthanasia and collect tissues from subject mice, including micro-dissected brain regions
• Isolate RNA, DNA and protein from tissues and cells
• Analyze transcript and protein levels using established QRTPCR, western blotting and 96-well plate-based assessments
• Conduct cell culture experiments, including maintaining immortalized mammalian cells in culture, delivering constructs to the cells by transfection, and fixing the cells for analysis
• Examine fixed cells using immunocytochemistry and florescence microscopy
• Maintain precise experimental notes and records

*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 Biology, Neuroscience, Genetics, or related field

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience with immortalized mammalian cell culture
• Experience with lab research in neurological or neurogenerative diseases
• Experience with mouse models of disease
• Experience with relevant programming languages including R or Python

Work Environment

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• 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

Animal Care Services

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

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 15 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment.
• Push/pull up to 15 lbs.
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching or climbing ladders

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Occasional evening and weekend hours required
• 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 other sites to maintain our collaborative network, and to attend face-to-face meetings with our funding agencies

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

• $54,250 - $66,450*

* 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.