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Scientist I – Brain Science

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 mission of the Allen Institute for Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. Using a big science approach, we generate useful public resources, drive technological and analytical advances, and discover fundamental brain properties through the integration of experiments, modeling, and theory.

The Brain Science Management department, led by Hongkui Zeng at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, seeks to hire an exceptional individual who will carry out research projects investigating the roles of cell types and circuits in mediating innate and social behaviors or the effects of psychoactive drugs in mice. The Scientist I will leverage the comprehensive and high-resolution cell type atlas for the whole mouse brain recently created to investigate cell-type specific gene expression and multiomic changes under different behavioral or pharmacological conditions, identify key cell types that are involved especially in the hypothalamic and extended amygdala circuits, develop enhancer AAVs for these cell types, and further study their functional roles in behavioral and physiological responses. The work will contribute to a deeper understanding of how the extraordinarily diverse cell types in the brain work together in brain functions and diseases.

The Scientist I will work in a highly collaborative team science environment and benefit from close interactions with many other colleagues at the Allen Institute with complementary expertise in transcriptomics, neuroanatomy, connectomics, physiology, behaviors, and advanced computation. Collaborative, team-oriented mindset and approach will be essential for the individual’s success and career advancement.

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

• Independently plan experiments (including single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, circuit tracing, animal behavior, etc.), coordinate with pipeline core and resource teams to conduct the experiments, organize the data and analyze the results
• Analyze large-scale single-cell genomics data, utilizing existing and adopting new computational approaches
• Participate in and support other team-based projects, through data sharing and joint analysis
• Maintain clear and accurate communications with supervisor, team members, and external collaborators
• Present a periodic summary of progress to internal and external research community
• Publish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences

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

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Proven strong publication record
• Experimental experience and knowledge in mouse genetics
• Solid understanding of the principles of nervous system cell types and neuroanatomy
• Experience in single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics data generation and analysis
• Proficiency in Python and/or R

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced knowledge and experience with cutting-edge experimental techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics and/or viral-based circuit tracing techniques
• Skilled at adopting new computational (including AI/ML) approaches
• Experience in developing, testing, implementing, and sharing new experimental paradigms quickly, and managing multiple projects efficiently
• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment to meet aggressive timelines
• Positive attitude, self-starter, demonstrated attention to detail, and ability to trouble-shoot

Work Environment

• Working at a desk with computer analyzing data
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substance
• Exposure to BioSafety Level 2 materials, such as recombinant viruses
• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment

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.

Travel

• Occasional travel to collaborator sites
• Occasional attendance and participation in national and international conferences may be 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 offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity does not offer visa sponsorship**

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