Research Associate II – Viral Tools

Research Associate II – Brain Cell Type-specific Viral Tools

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 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 an experienced Research Associate to support the characterization of novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors designed to target specific brain cell types for functional analysis and manipulation. The successful candidate will join the Brain Health team at the Allen Institute and contribute to studies evaluating AAV tropism, biodistribution and transgene expression across mouse, non-human primate, and human brain tissue, with a primary focus on non-human primate studies.

This role will primarily support brain tissue processing, histology, multiplexed fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH/RNAscope), immunohistochemistry, confocal fluorescence microscopy, imaging, and quantitative image analysis to characterize viral transduction patterns by identifying the cell types and neural circuits expressing viral reporters. The position will also provide support for the planning and execution of non-human primate (NHP) in vivo viral injection studies using a robotic injection platform, as needed.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with brain tissue sectioning and staining, fluorescence microscopy, a strong understanding of neuroanatomy, and proficiency with image analysis using ImageJ, Python, or similar analytical tools.

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

• Assist with brain tissue collection and processing
• Plan and execute multiplexed fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH/RNAscope) and immunohistochemistry staining of brain tissue
• Support NHP in vivo virus injection surgeries using a robotic injection platform
• Evaluate cell type specificity using fluorescence microscopy, antibody staining and image analysis using ImageJ and/or Python
• Apply quantitative approaches for assessing cell type specificity of labeling (with training)
• Generate data summaries in PowerPoint and Excel for team to evaluate
• Present a periodic summary of progress to the research community in the organization
• Uphold rigorous standards, including detailed lab notebook records of all experiments
• Contribute to progress reports, scientific publications, and grant applications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant laboratory research experience
• Hands-on experience with brain tissue processing, including sectioning using a microtome and/or cryostat
• Experience performing histological techniques, including immunohistochemistry and multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH/RNAscope)
• Experience with tissue imaging using epifluorescence and/or confocal microscopy, and quantitative image analysis
• Experience performing quantitative image analysis, including brain cell quantification

Preferred Education and Experience

• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work…