Ada Developers Academy: Software Engineer I – Neural Dynamics

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 mission of the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics is focused on fundamental discoveries in systems neuroscience. We are interested in how the brain builds our understanding of the complex world to guide the flexible behaviors that address our biological needs. The answers will be in terms of defined neuron types and circuits interacting across the whole brain and body. We will develop next-generation methods and theories and employ a team-based approach for discovery neuroscience. Knowledge, data, models and tools will be widely shared, in part to support the development of therapies for brain disorders.

We are seeking a software engineer to develop software in close collaboration with computational scientists to accelerate the collection, processing and analysis of large-scale neurophysiology data. The candidate will bring engineering best practices to scientific software development to ensure our data pipelines are sustainable and reproducible. You'll work with an exciting, dynamic team to build open source software analysis and visualization software that will be used not just in our institute but also by the broader neuroscience community.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences and backgrounds. Progress in science benefits from multiple perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

This requisition is in partnership with Ada Developers Academy. Only Ada participants should apply.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to sustainably develop scientific analysis software
• Develop visualization and reporting tools to monitor quality of acquired data
• Follow team software best practices - write unit and integration tests, participate in code reviews, track issues, version code, manage stage/production environments and write documentation

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 related field, or equivalent combination of degree and experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Familiarity with Python scientific computing tools (e.g. pandas, scipy, scikit-image, scikit-learn)
• Familiarity with software development best practices (e.g., git, testing, review, documentation)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working in a shared code repository
• Experience with cluster-based computing (e.g. Slurm, Spark)
• Experience with cloud-based computing (e.g. Amazon S3, Lambda, EMR)

Work Environment

• May enter laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment
• Working at a computer and using a mouse for extended periods of time

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• In keeping with our focus on employee safety, all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. All employees will be required to keep their vaccination status up to date according to CDC guidance and our policy.

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.