Research Associate – Tissue Processing

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Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

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 integration of experiments, modeling and theory.

This Research Associate I will support projects aimed to classify cell types within the brain and be responsible for executing a variety of laboratory tasks and/or 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.

• Performance of acute surgical procedures and tissue dissections
• Handling of mice
• Processing mouse, human, and non-human primate brain tissue
• 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

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science or related field

• 1+ years of related work experience and/or training preferred
• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Basic knowledge of mouse neuroanatomy, genetics, flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, electrophysiology and/or cell biology
• Experience working with mice and/or 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
• 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

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

• 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

• This is an essential job and expected to report…