Research Associate I – Brain Proteome Organization

About the role

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 multidisciplinary 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.

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.

We are seeking a Research Associate I to join a research team focused on understanding how the proteome of neuronal populations and their synapses shapes brain circuit function. Led by Marc van Oostrum, the team develops scalable synapse proteomics and systems-level analysis approaches to understand how the proteome and protein interactions determine synapse-type specific physiology and circuit connectivity. The Research Associate will contribute to large-scale experimental workflows focused on molecular profiling of defined neuronal populations and synapse types in the mouse brain. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and excited to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation experimental workflows and large-scale datasets in a team-oriented research environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform tissue dissections and biochemical preparation of mouse brain samples for downstream molecular profiling and imaging workflows
• Execute experimental workflows for synapse isolation, fluorescence-based sorting, and proteomic sample preparation
• Execute histology, fluorescence imaging, and tissue processing workflows
• Support molecular biology and viral vector preparation workflows
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and experimental records using established methods
• Contribute to optimization, troubleshooting, and quality control of experimental workflows
• Coordinate with internal teams and core facilities to support large-scale data and sample generation
• Present results and summarize experimental progress within the team
• Follow SOPs, good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry or related field
• Experience in one or more of the following: molecular biology or biochemistry, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, mouse tissue processing and histology, microscopy, flow cytometry, automation of experimental workflows, or related experimental disciplines
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Positive attitude, self-starter, demonstrated attention to detail, and enthusiasm for learning new experimental approaches

Work Environment

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals
• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• Animal Care Services

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Stooping, bending, crouching

Schedule

• Occasional evening and weekend hours 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.
• Occasional travel to partner sites for compliance oversight required
• Occasional attendance and participation in national and international conferences may be required

Pay

Annualized Salary Range: $54,250 - $66,450. Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.

Benefits

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
• 401k plan
• Paid time off as outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide

Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.