Research Associate II – Neurophysiology of Decision Making

Seattle, WA            ·             Full time

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Research Associate II – Neurophysiology of Decision Making

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Research Associate II – Neurophysiology of Decision Making

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 to discovery neuroscience. Knowledge, data, models, and tools will be widely shared to support the development of therapies for brain disorders.

We are seeking a Research Associate to contribute to a project to uncover the function of cortex and basal ganglia during dynamic decision making in closed-looped multi-sensory environment in mice. The ideal candidate will be team-oriented, have deep knowledge in neuroscience and behavior, and experience with behavior task development and troubleshooting. This position will leverage state-of-the-art behavioral, computational, electrophysiological, and imaging methods, as well as molecular and transgenic resources. The goal is to make fundamental discoveries about identified cell types within brain circuits during flexible behaviors.

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.

Essential Functions

• Perform experiments involving carefully controlled mouse behavior, in vivo cell-type-specific electrophysiology, and neural manipulations
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop and evaluate new behavioral tasks and associated methods for data collection, quantification, and analysis
• Train team members to perform procedures
• Collaborate internally and externally to analyze physiology and behavior data
• Additional tasks may include histology and/or surgery

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 Neuroscience, Biology, or related discipline
• 2 years of experience with rodent models in a laboratory setting

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2-4 years of experience in a laboratory setting
• Practical experience in in vivo electrophysiology and behavior
• Ability to write reusable code in Python or Matlab

Work Environment

• May enter laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards
• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required

Animal Care Services

• Daily exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Pre and post-operative care for mice
• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform health assessments of mice
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections
• Perform daily vivarium maintenance and/or closing procedures

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching, or climbing ladders

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., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.
• Occasional weekend hours 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**

Annualized Salary Range

• $58,950 – $82,550 *

* 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 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.

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