Scientist III - Brain Tissue Cryopreservation and Functional Recovery – Brain Health

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 Allen Institute is launching a new accelerator on human brain health and disease. This initiative aims to dramatically accelerate our understanding of human brain structure and function, identify the molecular, cellular and circuit basis of disease progression, and pioneer new therapeutic strategies targeting vulnerable and affected cell types. Our mission focuses on taking a human-centric approach to understanding and treating disease, combining a large-scale open science discovery approach across multiple diseases, AI-based disease modeling, and translational programs in specific diseases to move from discovery to clinical application. We aim to make transformational change in understanding and treating brain disorders, the biggest health challenge of our time.

Recent work by the Allen Institute has identified selective vulnerability of specific brain cell types in brain disease progression. In parallel, we are building on a decade of progress in pioneering human postmortem and neurosurgical brain tissue platforms and capabilities for assaying cell and circuit mechanisms of CNS diseases, with the goal to expand these platforms from brain atlasing into detailed functional studies with cell type targeted interventions. We are searching for an exceptional Scientist III to join an innovative project aiming to pioneer new approaches for human brain tissue preservation, including cryopreservation techniques compatible with full recovery of functional properties. The Scientist III hire will contribute to various aspects of the project including brain sample curation and brain tissue slicing for patch clamp or patch-seq electrophysiology, imaging, immunohistochemistry, and associated data analyses. The successful candidate will have excellent problem-solving skills, careful attention to detail, and strong ability to multitask and collaborate with

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.

*This role is contingent upon receipt of a federally funded grant*

• Implementation and optimization of advanced brain tissue preservation methods, e.g., vitrification
• Acute and cultured brain slice preparation from mouse, macaque, and human brain specimens
• Immunohistochemistry
• Epifluorescence and confocal microscopy
• Patch-clamp and Patch-seq electrophysiology in brain slice preparations
• Perform data analysis (ImageJ, Excel, R, or Python, etc) and present findings to the team
• Maintain detailed lab notebook and records
• Drive manuscript writing and publication of experimental results in peer-reviewed neuroscience journals

*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.*

• PhD in neurobiology, cell biology, or related fields; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Minimum of 5 years relevant postdoc experience
• Experience with mammalian brain anatomy and standard histology techniques
• Experience with single cell genomics, e.g. Patch-seq, single cell RNA-seq, and/or multiomics
• Experience with brain slice patch-clamp electrophysiology and associated data analysis methods
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Adobe Illustrator for figure generation in support of research publications

• Candidates with 6+ years of relevant postdoctoral research experience will be given priority consideration
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Excellent track record of publication of innovative research in neuroscience or related disciplines
• Advanced expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology or neurophysiology techniques

• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Work requires proper use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory mice required
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections

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

• 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.

• 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

• **Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas **
• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**

$128,050 - $160,050*

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