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Scientist 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 standards and 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, 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.

Recent work by the Allen Institute has identified selective vulnerability of specific brain cell types in brain disease progression. In parallel, we are building on a decade of progress in pioneering human postmortem and neurosurgical brain tissue platforms and capabilities for assaying cell and circuit mechanisms of CNS diseases, with the goal to expand these platforms from brain atlasing into detailed functional studies with cell type targeted interventions. We are searching for an exceptional Scientist III to join an innovative project aiming to pioneer new approaches for human brain tissue preservation, including cryopreservation techniques compatible with full recovery of functional properties. The Scientist III hire will contribute to various aspects of the project including brain sample curation and brain tissue slicing for patch clamp or patch-seq electrophysiology, imaging, immunohistochemistry, and associated data analyses. The successful candidate will have excellent problem-solving skills, careful attention to detail, and strong ability to multitask and collaborate with

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

• Implementation and optimization of advanced brain tissue preservation methods, e.g., vitrification
• Acute and cultured brain slice preparation from mouse, macaque, and human brain specimens
• Immunohistochemistry
• Epifluorescence and confocal microscopy
• Patch-clamp and Patch-seq electrophysiology in brain slice preparations
• Perform data analysis (ImageJ, Excel, R, or Python, etc) and present findings to the team
• Maintain detailed lab notebook and records
• Drive manuscript writing and 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

• PhD in neurobiology, cell biology, or related fields; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Minimum of 5 years relevant postdoc experience
• Experience with mammalian brain anatomy and standard histology techniques
• Experience with single cell genomics, e.g. Patch-seq, single cell RNA-seq, and/or multiomics
• Experience with brain slice patch-clamp electrophysiology and associated data analysis methods
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Adobe Illustrator for figure generation in support of research publications

Preferred Education and Experience

• Candidates with 6+ years of relevant postdoctoral research experience will be given priority consideration
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Excellent track record of publication of innovative research in neuroscience or related disciplines
• Advanced expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology or neurophysiology techniques

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Work requires proper use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls

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.

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

$128,050 - $160,050*

* 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.