Research Associate III - Spatial Biology

Allen Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 77,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Allen Institute is seeking a Research Associate III for the Spatial Biology team to map spatial cell type organization and alterations in neurodegenerative diseases. The role emphasizes planning and executing high-throughput spatial transcriptomics on human tissue, QC, and data analysis, with strong communication across a multidisciplinary team.

Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience with MERFISH+/MERSCOPE/Xenium platforms, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to contribute

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neurobiology, cell biology, biochemistry or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• Hands on experience with advanced high-throughput microscopes.
• Excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Run high-throughput spatial genomics workflows on human tissue sections.
• Perform quality control and primary image analysis on spatial datasets.
• Track and organize experimental data and metadata across experiments.
• Maintain instruments for proper performance and throughput.
• Troubleshoot and optimize experimental protocols and SOPs.
• Contribute to a multidisciplinary team to support departmental goals.
• Maintain detailed records and communicate results clearly.

Skills

Spatial biology

High-throughput imaging

Data analysis

Laboratory skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in neurobiology or related field

Tools

MERFISH+

MERSCOPE

Xenium

Python/SQL automation

Office suite

Job description

Research Associate III – Spatial Biology

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 goal of the Brain Health accelerator is to revolutionize the treatment of brain diseases by creating the first dual-use molecular tools that can not only reveal information about the diversity of cells in the human brain but also be used to target novel treatments to specific types of cells.

We are seeking a Research Associate III to join the spatial biology team, which aims to spatially map cell type organization and composition and their alterations across a range of neurodegenerative brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Huntington’s Disease and ALS. Reporting to the senior manager, spatial biology, the ideal candidate will have deep experience in planning and executing high-throughput spatial transcriptomics assays on human tissue sections as well as performing quality control and data analysis. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are essential.

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

• Run high-throughput spatial genomics workflows using custom experimental platforms including the MERFISH+ large format fluorescence microscopy-based technique
• Perform quality control and execute primary image analysis on the spatial genomics datasets
• Track and organize experimental data and metadata within and across experiments
• Maintain instruments to ensure proper performance and throughput
• Troubleshoot and optimize experimental protocols and workflows including contributing to and auditing standard operations procedures (SOPs)
• Contribute to a cohesive, multidisciplinary team to ensure scientific rigor and to support the scientific goals of the department and the scientific unit
• Maintain detailed and precise experimental records, generate presentations to communicate results, and share results rapidly and transparently with the team

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be provided 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 neurobiology, cell biology, biochemistry or related field
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience
• Hands on experience working with advanced high-throughput microscopes
• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Basic understanding of neuroanatomy
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience with the MERFISH+ /MERSCOPE/Xenium spatial transcriptomics platform
• Experience with data science and developing computational infrastructure to optimize data acquisition, storage utilization, and computational resources
• Proficiency with Python or SQL-based automation tools
• Experience with automated data management and reporting workflows in support of spatial genomics experiments
• Familiarity with human neuroanatomy
• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Experience with sectioning, staining, and imaging brain tissues with fluorescent microscopy
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to execute work and troubleshoot independently

Work Environment

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reach
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; lab equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is an onsite, M-F, regular business hours. 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.

Additional Comments

Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas

Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance

Annualized Salary Range

Annualized Salary Range$77,150 - $94,550

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 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

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.