Research Associate I

About the Role

The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research. We generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly to drive discovery and create new possibilities for improving human health.

The goal of the Brain Science accelerator is to produce three interlocking resources: cell type atlases, connectomes, and a knowledge platform. Every dataset is freely shared.

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. The team develops scalable synapse proteomics and systems-level analysis approaches. This role will contribute to large-scale experimental workflows focused on molecular profiling of defined neuronal populations and synapse types in the mouse brain.

Key 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 & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, or related field.
• 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.
• Experience with mouse tissue processing and histology.
• Experience with molecular biology or biochemistry.
• Experience with mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
• Experience with microscopy.
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Experience with automation of experimental workflows.
• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals.
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses.
• 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.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours.
• Occasional travel to partner sites for compliance oversight required.
• Occasional attendance and participation in national and international conferences may be required.
• 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.
• This opportunity does not sponsor work visas.
• This opportunity does not offer relocation funding.

Qualifications

• 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.