Job Description

Research Associate I – Microscopy Imaging & Spatial Transcriptomics

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 Imaging department within Brain Science is a team of 20 research associates, scientists, and data analysts, who operate commercial and customized optical systems to collect and interpret data serving a wide variety of scientific work at the institute. Characterizing transgenic animal lines, viral genetic tools, molecular and morphological cell types, histological labels, and disease markers are examples of work supported by imaging personnel within the Allen Institute for Brain Science.

The Research Associate I – Imaging is responsible for conducting experiments and executing protocols in a high-throughput production environment, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). As part of an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of high-throughput imaging and spatial transcriptomics, this individual will use multiple microscopy systems to acquire high-quality images from histological slides, whole brain specimens, and other custom applications. The incumbent will also contribute to image quality control and analysis, assist with laboratory operations, provide workflow support, and handle data.

The role requires strong problem-solving skills and good judgment for troubleshooting, recognizing process deviations, and supporting process development. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with curiosity to answer scientific questions and a strong commitment to producing high-quality data in a timely manner. This candidate will also have opportunities to cross-train with adjacent teams on commercial spatial transcriptomics platforms.

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.

Please include a cover letter with your application, describing your career goals and the reasons you’re interested in this position.

Essential Functions

• Operate multiple imaging instruments (brightfield and epifluorescence widefield, laser scanning & spinning disk confocal, and lightsheet microscopes)
• Handle mouse, non-human primate, and human tissue
• Perform routine laboratory work, including specimen and slide preparation for generalized microscopy and spatial transcriptomic characterization
• Compile, process and analyze data; evaluate and communicate research results
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures, good laboratory practices, and comply with all regulatory requirements
• Evaluate, calibrate, and troubleshoot experiment quality and instrument functionality
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation using established methods, which may include Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, as well as SharePoint, Confluence, and a custom Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Contribute to and audit SOPs, as requested by departmental Manager/Director
• Contribute to a rigorously scientific, cohesive and efficient team environment
• Other duties as assigned

*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 life science or related field
• Basic knowledge of microscopy, neuroscience, or cell biology

Preferred Education and Experience

• 0-2 years of experience working in a laboratory setting
• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Strong scientific communication skills (written and oral)
• Experience with operation of research-grade microscopy instrumentation
• Experience with preparation of laboratory reagents, buffers, and aliquots
• Experience using precision pipetting equipment
• Experience with application of molecular labeling techniques, such as in situ hybridization or antibody staining, to sectioned biological tissue
• Familiarity with computational tools for viewing and analyzing data, especially Python language tools such as NumPy and Jupyter

Work Environment

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animal and human tissue
• Laboratory environment – possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Laboratory environment – use of personnel protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Must be able to resolve red/green colors
• 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.
• May be required to work alternate hours (i.e., evening or weekend shifts)

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas **
• **Please note, this opportunity may offerrelocation assistance**

Annualized Salary Range

• $54,250 - $66,450 *

* 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.

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