Scientist I - Single-cell Genomics and Bioinformatics

alleninstitute; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 86,500 - 106,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Work visa sponsorship

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401k plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Allen Institute is seeking a Scientist I for our Molecular Genetics department to analyze single-cell genomics data and contribute to groundbreaking research in the peripheral nervous system.

Ideal candidates will hold a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, have strong programming skills in R and Python, and demonstrate experience in single-cell genomics. This role offers hybrid working opportunities and significant collaboration within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with single-cell genomics analysis or large-scale data analysis.
• Proficiency in programming languages and tools (R, Python, cloud computing).
• Interest in AI tool development.

Responsibilities

• Support initiatives to create reference atlases for cells using genomic data.
• Apply computational approaches to integrate gene expression data.
• Collaborate with team members to interpret biological findings.
• Learn and apply methods for defining cell types from single-cell data.
• Contribute to computational method development for single-cell genomics.

Skills

Single-cell genomics analysis

Bioinformatics

Programming (R, Python)

AI tool use

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Genomics, Neuroscience or related field

Job description

Scientist I – Single-cell genomics and bioinformatics – Molecular Genetics

The Allen Institute's mission 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 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 integration of experiments, modeling, and theory.

The Molecular Genetics department at the Allen Institute for Brain Science defines cell types in the mouse nervous system with single-cell genomics techniques and generates high-precision genetic tools to effectively identify, monitor, and manipulate distinct neuronal cell types.

We seek an exceptional Scientist I who will work in the Molecular Genetics department on analysis of single-cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics data in the peripheral nervous system. The candidate should have an exceptionally strong background in bioinformatics and single-cell genomics. They will work closely with team members to analyze various types of single-cell genomics data to define neuronal types, interrogate functional connectivity, and help design genetic tools to access these cell types. This individual should be highly efficient, capable of working independently, and collaborative. This individual will be an excellent communicator, efficient in both independent work and collaborations with others.

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

• Support initiatives across the Allen Institute for Brain Science, Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics and Allen Institute for Immunology to create reference atlases for cells in the peripheral nervous system using single-cell genomic data.
• Apply and adapt existing computational and experimental approaches to integrate gene expression and epigenetic information from a variety of single-cell genomic datasets.
• Collaborate with team members to interpret biological findings from data and contribute ideas for follow-up experiments, gaining independence and autonomy over time.
• Learn and apply analytical methods for defining cell types and predicting enhancer activity from single-cell data and for supporting the development of genetic tools that mark distinct functional or anatomical cell types.
• Contribute to computational method development for single-cell genomics, under the guidance of team leads.
• Present research findings regularly to internal team members and stakeholders; contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, grant proposals, and external presentations.

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform 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

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Genomics, Neuroscience or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience.
• Demonstrated experience with single-cell genomics analysis or large-scale data analysis.
• Proficiency in programming languages and tools (R, Python, cloud computing).
• Proficiency in AI tool use, and interest in AI tool development.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in reproducibly analyzing large single-cell and spatial genomics (transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics) datasets.
• Experience integrating spatial data with single-cell genomics approaches.
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment to meet demanding timelines.
• Positive attitude, self-motivated, and demonstrated ability to creatively troubleshoot.
• Proven strong publication record.
• Knowledge of mouse molecular genetics, neuroscience, and neuroanatomy.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and organizational skills.

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Travel

• Attendance and participation in national and international conferences is required.

Additional Comments

• Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance.
• Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship.

Annualized Salary Range

• $86,500 - $106,100

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