Research Associate – Tissue Processing & Electrophysiology

Research Associate I – Tissue Processing & Electrophysiology

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 Science accelerator is to produce three interlocking resources: cell type atlases that catalog every kind of brain cell across ages and species, connectomes that chart the brain's intricate wiring, and a knowledge platform that knits it all together with powerful analysis tools. Every dataset is freely shared, so discoveries made here fuel discoveries everywhere.

This Research Associate will support projects aimed to classify cell types within the brain through generation of high-quality patch-clamp electrophysiology and transcriptomic data. The individual will be responsible for executing a variety of laboratory tasks and 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.

Essential Functions

• Performance of acute surgical procedures and tissue dissections
• Handling of mice
• Processing mouse, human, non-human primate (NHP), and porpoise brain tissue
• Perform patch-seq experiments from mouse, NHP and human brain slice preparations
• Apply established quality control (QC) criteria in all experimental designs. Help develop new analytical criteria and insights from, both electrophysiological, molecular biology and imaging data
• Pilot and optimize tissue preparations for advanced imaging techniques
• Work in dynamic core facilities with tight deadlines
• 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
• Contribute to a cohesive and efficient team environment

* 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

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

Preferred Education and Experience

• 1+ years of related work experience and/or training preferred
• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Basic knowledge of mouse neuroanatomy, electrophysiology,…