Research Associate I – In Vivo Electrophysiology & Behavior

Allen Institute; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 54,250 - 66,450; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Allen Institute in Seattle is seeking a research technician to collect in vivo electrophysiological data from mouse cortex and aid in behavioral tasks. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or a related field and have experience in research labs.

The position requires onsite work and offers a salary range of $54,250 – $66,450 based on qualifications. Additional benefits include medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) enrollment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or a related field required.
• 2 years of experience in a research lab is preferred.
• Experience working with mice is greatly preferred.
• Ability to perform rodent surgeries is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collect electrophysiological and optogenetics data from mouse cortex.
• Train mice for behavioral tasks.
• Perform analyses to update experimental protocols.
• Ensure lab maintenance and handle laboratory animals.

Skills

Experience with mice

In vivo electrophysiology

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or related field

Job description

Essential Functions

• Collect in vivo electrophysiological, optogenetics, and/or optical physiological data from mouse cortex using cutting‑edge recording systems
• Train mice to perform various foraging behavioral tasks
• Participate in lab maintenance and weekly tasks
• Carry out analyses to assess overall data quality and use this information to update and refine experimental protocols
• Use histological techniques to identify probe recording location

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 or a related field

Preferred Education And Experience

• 2 years of experience in a research lab
• Experience working with mice greatly preferred
• Practical experience in in vivo electrophysiology and/or mouse behavior
• Strong scientific communication skills (written and oral)
• Ability to work in a team‑based environment
• Experience with rodent surgeries

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment – possible exposure to chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances, including BioSafety Level 2 organisms (e.g., recombinant viruses). PPE may be required.

Animal Care Services

• 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

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

• Onsite work is required for the majority of working hours. The primary work location is 615 Westlake Ave N. with limited remote work flexibility.

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. Annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.

Annualized Salary Range

• $54,250 – $66,450*
• Final salary depends on education, experience, skill level, and work location.

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide, including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible for the 401(k) plan and paid time off as outlined in the Benefits Guide.

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. The Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.