Scientist - Brain Science Management

Position: Scientist I - Brain Science Management
Scientist I - Brain Science

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 the integration of experiments, modeling, and theory.

The Brain Science Management department, led by Hongkui Zeng at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, seeks to hire an exceptional individual who will carry out research projects investigating the roles of cell types and circuits in mediating innate and social behaviors or the effects of psychoactive drugs in mice. The Scientist I will leverage the comprehensive and high-resolution cell type atlas for the whole mouse brain recently created to investigate cell-type specific gene expression and multiomic changes under different behavioral or pharmacological conditions, identify key cell types that are involved especially in the hypothalamic and extended amygdala circuits, develop enhancer AAVs for these cell types, and further study their functional roles in behavioral and physiological responses.

The work will contribute to a deeper understanding of how the extraordinarily diverse cell types in the brain work together in brain functions and diseases.

The Scientist I will work in a highly collaborative team science environment and benefit from close interactions with many other colleagues at the Allen Institute with complementary expertise in transcriptomics, neuroanatomy, connectomics, physiology, behaviors, and advanced computation. Collaborative, team-oriented mindset and approach will be essential for the individual's success and career advancement.

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

• Independently plan experiments (including single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, circuit tracing, animal behavior, etc.), coordinate with pipeline core and resource teams to conduct the experiments, organize the data and analyze the results
• Analyze large-scale single-cell genomics data, utilizing existing and adopting new computational approaches
• Participate in and support other team-based projects, through data sharing and joint analysis
• Maintain clear and accurate communications with supervisor, team members, and external collaborators
• Present a periodic summary of progress to internal and external research community
• Publish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences

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

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Proven strong publication record
• Experimental experience and knowledge in mouse genetics
• Solid understanding of the principles of nervous system cell types and neuroanatomy
• Experience in single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics data generation and analysis
• Proficiency in Python and/or R

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced knowledge and experience with cutting-edge experimental techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics and/or viral-based circuit tracing techniques
• Skilled at adopting new computational (including AI/ML) approaches
• Experience in developing, testing, implementing, and sharing new experimental paradigms quickly, and managing multiple projects efficiently
• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment to meet aggressive timelines
• Positive attitude, self-starter, demonstrated attention to detail, and ability to trouble-shoot

Work Environment

• Working at a desk with computer analyzing data
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substance
• Exposure to Bio Safety Level 2…