Research Associate In Vivo -Scale Electrophysiology

Overview

Are you ready for new challenges and new opportunities? Join our team in Seattle! 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 Neural Dynamics is focused on fundamental discoveries in systems neuroscience. We are interested in how the brain builds our understanding of the complex world to guide the flexible behaviors that address our biological needs. The answers will be in terms of defined neuron types and circuits interacting across the whole brain and body. We will develop next-generation methods and theories and employ a team-based approach to discovery neuroscience.

Knowledge, data, models, and tools will be widely shared to support the development of therapies for brain disorders.

We are seeking a Research Associate to contribute to a project to record the activity of thousands of neurons distributed across many brain regions in parallel. The ideal candidate will be team-oriented, have knowledge in neuroscience and behavior, and display a strong interest in studying brain-wide circuits during behavior. This position will leverage state-of-the-art electrophysiological methods, such as Neuropixels probes, as well as molecular and transgenic resources.

The goal is to record simultaneously from many anatomically connected regions while mice are engaged in a variety of cognitive tasks.

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.

• Independently carry out experiments involving in vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics
• Train mice to perform behavioral tasks
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop and evaluate methods for data collection, quantification, and analysis
• Collaborate internally and externally to analyze physiology and behavior data

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 Neuroscience, Biology, or related discipline

• 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting
• Practical experience in in vivo electrophysiology and/or mouse behavior
• Ability to code in Python or Matlab
• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Possible exposure to Bio Safety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Pre and post-operative care for mice
• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform health assessments of mice
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching, or climbing ladders

• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required
• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

• All employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.

• $53,450 - $65,450*

* Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also…