Software Engineer III – Neural Dynamics at the Allen Institute

The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.

The goal of the Neural Dynamics accelerator is to understand how the brain generates flexible behavior. We aim to uncover the algorithms—implemented by dynamics in brain-wide neural circuits—that allow animals to build internal models, process information, and choose actions.

We are seeking a software engineer to develop, maintain, and deploy 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. The candidate will also help mentor others in fostering software development best practices. You'll work with an exciting, dynamic team to build open-source analysis and visualization software that will be used not just in our Institute but also by the broader neuroscience community.

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

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to sustainably develop scientific analysis software
• 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
• Deploy, maintain, and monitor core services in cloud and on-premise data centers
• Help build and deploy end-to-end testing infrastructure for data processing pipelines

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 computer science or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced knowledge of Python
• Familiarity with software development best practices (e.g., git, testing, review, documentation)
• Experience writing code to interface with AWS Services such as S3, DocumentDB, Lambda, and Redshift
• Advanced degree and AWS professional certifications (S3, ECS, EC2, and serverless services)
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience with Cloud IaaC (terraform or CDK)
• Experience automating workflows with GitHub actions
• Experience working with tera- and peta-scale biological data
• Teamwork and communication skills operating in an Agile environment

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Occasional evening and weekend hours required
• 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 Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

• $146,600 – 183,250 *

* 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.