Research Associate III - Spatial Biology

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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…