Research Associate III, Brain Tissue Cryopreservation and Functional Recovery – 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 research standards, integrating data for building biological models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.

The Allen Institute is launching a new accelerator on human brain health and disease. This initiative aims to dramatically accelerate our understanding of human brain structure and function by identifying the molecular, cellular and circuit basis of disease progression, and pioneering new therapeutic strategies for targeting vulnerable and affected cell types. Our mission focuses on a human-centric approach to understanding and treating disease, by 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 changes in understanding and treating brain disorders, the biggest health challenge of our time.

Recent work at the Allen Institute has identified the selective vulnerability of specific brain cell types during disease progression. Building on more than a decade of leadership in human postmortem and neurosurgical brain tissue platforms, we are expanding these capabilities beyond brain atlasing to enable detailed functional studies with cell-type-targeted interventions. We are seeking an exceptional Research Associate III to support an innovative effort to develop new approaches for human brain tissue preservation, including cryopreservation methods that preserve functional properties. In this role, the successful candidate will contribute to brain sample curation, tissue slicing, patch-clamp/Patch-seq electrophysiology, imaging, and related data analysis. The ideal candidate will bring strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating effectively with key stakeholders.

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.

*This role is contingent upon receipt of a federally funded grant*

Essential Functions

• Contribute to the implementation and optimization of advanced brain tissue preservation methods, including vitrification and recovery
• Prepare acute brain slices from mouse, macaque, and human brain specimens and prepare and maintain organotypic slice cultures
• Perform patch-clamp and Patch-seq electrophysiology experiments in brain slice preparations
• Collect epifluorescence and confocal microscopy images
• Contribute to data analysis using tools such as ImageJ, Excel, R, or Python, and present findings to the team
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and accurate experimental records and high standards of data integration and management
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and the 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

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, or related field
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a laboratory or research environment
• Experience with brain slice patch-clamp electrophysiology
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience, with 4–8 years of relevant experience preferred
• Programming experience, particularly in Python or R, is highly desirable
• Experience with histology and neuroanatomy is preferred
• Highly motivated and comfortable working with a high degree of independence
• Experience working in a milestone-driven, collaborative research environment is preferred
• Experience with mammalian brain anatomy and standard histology techniques
• Experience with single-cell genomics techniques, such as Patch-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and/or multiomic approaches
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills

Work Environment

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Laboratory environment - possible exposure to chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms and recombinant viruses
• Strict adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines
• Working with dry ice or liquid nitrogen
• Sample handling of the following material, including but not limited to: human whole blood, PBMC, Plasma, nucleic acids, and brain tissue

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.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required

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

$73,000 - $93,150*

* 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.