Research Associate I

About the Role

The Research Associate I – Tissue Processing & Electrophysiology at the Allen Institute supports projects focused on classifying brain cell types by generating high-quality patch-clamp electrophysiology and transcriptomic data. This role involves executing laboratory tasks and experiments in a high-throughput environment, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Good judgment and problem-solving skills are crucial for recognizing process deviations, troubleshooting, and operating complex laboratory instrumentation. The position requires compliance with regulatory requirements, adherence to SOPs, initiation of individual experiments, and efficient teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 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

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science or related field
• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Basic knowledge of mouse neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, genetics, flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, and/or cell biology
• Experience working with mice, NHP, human, or other tissue samples
• Experience with fluorescence and/or dissection microscopy
• Ability to critically interpret and analyze scientific data
• Intermediate level ability with Microsoft Office suite and the ability to learn other custom software systems
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a collaborative team

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Laboratory environment with possible exposure to chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• Work requires proper use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls
• Laboratory duties involve safely handling or working near chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances
• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Perform euthanasia, surgical procedures, and tissue collections
• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office and lab equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Push/pull a cart
• Stooping, bending, crouching, sitting

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This is an essential job and expected to report for work regardless of weather and/or other conditions
• Rotating evening on-call coverage
• Occasional evening 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 flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of related work experience and/or training preferred