Scientist I – Barcoded Connectomics

Brain Science Management             ·             Seattle, WA            ·             Full time

Scientist I – Barcoded Connectomics

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 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 integration of experiments, modeling and theory.

We are seeking an exceptionally creative and motivated Scientist I to join the Barcoded Connectomics team at the Allen Institute for Brain Science. The Barcoded Connectomics team is broadly interested in understanding the wiring logic of long-range connectivity in the brain. Led by Xiaoyin Chen, who developed BARseq (Chen et al., 2019) and BARseq2 (Sun et al., 2021), the team is further developing in situ sequencing techniques and RNA barcoding-based neuroanatomical techniques (i.e. MAPseq and BARseq). Leveraging the cellular resolution and high throughput of these techniques, we aim to unravel the relationship between cell types, gene expression, and projections during development and across species.

The candidate will focus on developing in situ sequencing and viral barcoding-based techniques to interrogate cell type distribution and connectivity on an unprecedented scale. In addition to working within the Barcoded Connectomics team, the candidate will also collaborate closely with the Department of Molecular Genetics (led by Bosiljka Tasic) and will benefit from interaction with other teams at the Allen Institute with complementary expertise in sequencing, transcriptomics, and neuroanatomy. We welcome candidates from diverse scientific background, who may bring their own questions and expertise into the field.

Candidates are encouraged to include an optional short research proposal as part of the cover letter describing question(s) they are interested in working on and why the Allen Institute is a good fit for such work.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences, and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Essential Functions

• Develop and apply in situ sequencing-based transcriptomics and neuroanatomical techniques
• Publish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences
• Maintain clear and accurate communication with supervisor, team members, and external collaborators

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, molecular biology, chemistry, or related fields; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Experience in MS Office programs and other relevant software programs (e.g. standard image analysis software etc.)

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in viral tracing techniques
• Experience with and in-depth understanding of fluorescence microscopy
• Proficiency in MATLAB, python, and/or R
• Experience in molecular biology techniques
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong publication record and consistent performance

Work Environment

• Laboratory atmosphere – possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances
• Exposure to BioSafety Level 2 materials, such as recombinant viruses
• Potential exposure to and handling of live and fixed NHP tissues
• Potential exposure risk for bloodborne pathogens, e.g. Simian B virus

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; lab equipment
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reach

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment: (cadence 4 days onsite / 1 day work from home per week). 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**
• Candidates are encouraged to include an optional short research proposal as part of the cover letter describing question(s) they are interested in working on and why the Allen Institute is a good fit for such work.

Annualized Salary Range

$75,003 – $105,004 *

* Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with work location, where applicable.

Benefits

Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outline 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.

Please click here to apply.