Associate Investigator - Brain Disease Proteomics and Connectomics

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 multi-disciplinary 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. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.

The Allen Institute has launched a new moonshot initiative on human brain health and disease called the Brain Health accelerator. 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. The major focus will be on neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy Body Dementia, Huntington’s and ALS. We aim to make transformational change in understanding and treating brain disorders, the biggest health challenge of our time.

We are seeking an outstanding individual to lead a program in proteomic and connectomic analysis of human brain tissues in health and disease, including the study of cell-type selective changes in synaptic connectivity associated with neurodegenerative disease. This will involve technological development such as optimization of methods for human tissue preparation for cleared and/or expanded tissues and light sheet microscopy, and biological studies of disease phenotypes. This role will work closely with teams working on proteomic analysis of human and mouse tissues, single cell and spatial genomics profiling, data analysis and modeling, and cell- and circuit-targeted therapeutic development. The successful candidate will be an established, recognized researcher in cellular and circuit biology with a strong track record of research and publication. Part of this research will focus on Alzheimer’s disease as part of the Seattle Alzheimer's Disease Brain Cell Atlas (SEA-AD) consortium.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated team player who is willing to push the boundaries of human neuroscience and disease research through scientific leadership, individual and team contributions and continuing scholarship on the ever-changing landscape. The successful candidate will also have excellent communication skills that can represent our efforts to our stakeholders internally and in external forums.

The Allen Institute offers exceptional working conditions, and nurtures team science in an intellectually rich and stimulating setting. We provide a highly collaborative research environment offering the opportunity to interface closely with our molecular and cell biologists, bioinformaticians, and partner Institutions. This is an Associate Investigator position comparable to an Associate Professor in a University/Medical School setting.

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.

• Lead breakthrough research and deployment of state-of-the-art methods in cellular and circuit neuroscience
• Contribute to forming and participating in a larger discovery science effort to understand the cellular, molecular and circuit basis of neurodegenerative diseases
• Advise and mentor a group of scientists and technicians performing proteomic and connectomic studies in human brain tissues
• Contribute to Alzheimer’s research as part of the Seattle Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Cell Atlas (SEA-AD)
• Work collaboratively across teams working in related technological or disease-centric areas
• Develop and establish scalable methods for cleared and/or expanded techniques in human tissues
• Develop high-affinity reagents for specific labeling of relevant targets
• Seek and evaluate new cutting-edge techniques in related areas
• Work synergistically with bioinformaticians and data scientists
• Publish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetings
• Present a periodic summary of progress to the research community, Institute executive leadership and external advisors
• Pursue external funding through grant writing and submission to federal and private foundation funding agencies

*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.*

• Ph.D. and/or M.D./Ph.D. in experimental neuroscience or biology, physics, engineering, or related academic or biomedical discipline
• Minimum 7 years relevant experience in experimental and/or computational neuroscience, with supporting publication record
• Domain knowledge of systems, cellular and/or molecular neuroscience, with emphasis on studies of synaptic connectivity
• Experience working independently as well as in a collaborative high paced environment
• Experience working with outside collaborators to achieve defined objectives

• 10 or more years of post-PhD working experience
• 10 or more years of experience teaching scientific courses or workshops in formal settings
• Proven track record in procuring funding in the form of grants, awards, and/or contracts
• Proven track record of success publishing in high impact journals
• Excellent management skills and ability to work in a group and interact closely with scientific and technological collaborators
• Proven strong written and verbal communication skills

• Laboratory environment – may require entering labs where experiments take place
• Working at a desk with computer analyzing data

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment

• This role is currently able to work onsite. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State

• Occasional travel to collaborator sites
• 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

$185,800 - $243,800*

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