Research Associate I – Tissue Processing & Electrophysiology

Allen Institute; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Allen Institute in Seattle invites applications for a Research Associate I – Tissue Processing & Electrophysiology. The role focuses on generating high-quality patch-clamp electrophysiology and transcriptomic data to classify brain cell types and support brain science projects.

The candidate will perform surgical procedures, tissue dissections, and work with mouse, human, NHP, and other tissues in a high-throughput setting, following SOPs and regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life science or related field.
• 1+ years of related work experience and/or training preferred.
• Experience with patch-seq, high-throughput tissue processing, and electrophysiology data desirable.
• Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform acute surgical procedures and tissue dissections.
• Handle mice and other laboratory animals.
• Process mouse, human, non-human primate (NHP) and porpoise brain tissue.
• Perform patch-seq experiments from mouse, NHP and human brain slice preparations.
• Apply established QC criteria and help develop new analytical criteria across electrophysiology, molecular biology, and imaging data.
• Pilot and optimize tissue preparations for advanced imaging techniques.
• Work in dynamic core facilities with tight deadlines.
• Dissociate and prepare single-cell/nuclei samples for analysis.
• Cell and tissue histological staining.
• Follow SOPs, GMP-like practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and reporting.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in life science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Research Associate I – Tissue Processing & Electrophysiology

Research Associate I – Tissue Processing & Electrophysiology

The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.

The goal of the Brain Science accelerator is to produce three interlocking resources: cell type atlases that catalog every kind of brain cell across ages and species, connectomes that chart the brain's intricate wiring, and a knowledge platform that knits it all together with powerful analysis tools. Every dataset is freely shared, so discoveries made here fuel discoveries everywhere.

This Research Associate will support projects aimed to classify cell types within the brain through generation of high-quality patch-clamp electrophysiology and transcriptomic data. The individual will be responsible for executing a variety of laboratory tasks and experiments in a high-throughput laboratory and animal care environment following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for recognizing process deviations, participating in troubleshooting, and operation of complex laboratory instrumentation.

This role is expected to comply with regulatory requirements, adhere to SOPs, initiate individual experiments and to work efficiently in a team environment.

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.

Essential Functions

• Performance of acute surgical procedures and tissue dissections
• Handling of mice
• Processing mouse, human, non-human primate (NHP), and porpoise brain tissue
• Perform patch-seq experiments from mouse, NHP and human brain slice preparations
• Apply established quality control (QC) criteria in all experimental designs. Help develop new analytical criteria and insights from, both electrophysiological, molecular biology and imaging data
• Pilot and optimize tissue preparations for advanced imaging techniques
• Work in dynamic core facilities with tight deadlines
• Dissociation and preparation of single cell/nuclei samples for analysis
• Cell and tissue histological staining
• Follow SOPs, good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and reporting using established methods
• Work with supervisor to appropriately manage time and prioritize tasks
• Contribute to a cohesive and efficient team environment

*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 a life science or related field

Preferred Education and Experience

• 1+ years of related work experience and/or training preferred
• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Basic knowledge of mouse neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, genetics, flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, and/or cell biology
• Experience working with mice, NHP, human or other tissue samples
• Experience with fluorescence and/or dissection microscopy
• Ability to critically interpret and analyze scientific data
• Intermediate level ability with Microsoft Office suite and the ability to learn other custom software systems
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a collaborative team
• Laboratory environment with possible exposure to chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• Work requires proper use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls
• Laboratory duties involve safely handling or working near chemical, biological or other hazardous substances

Animal Care Services

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Perform euthanasia, surgical procedures, and tissue collections

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office and lab equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Push/pull a cart
• Stooping, bending, crouching, sitting

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This is an essential job and expected to report for work regardless of weather and/or other conditions
• Rotating evening on-call coverage
• Occasional evening hours required
• 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 flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

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.

Annualized Salary Range

• $54,250 - $66,450*

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

• 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 Institute's 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.