Research Associate – Imaging

Research Associate I – Imaging at the Allen Institute

The mission of the Allen Institute is to understand the principles that govern life and to advance health. Our creative and multi-dimensional teams focus on answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience. We accelerate foundational research, catalyze bold ideas, develop tools and models, and openly share our science to make a broad, transformational impact on the world.

The mission of the Allen Institute for Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. Using a big science approach, we generate useful public resources, drive technological and analytical advances, and discover fundamental brain properties through integration of experiments, modeling, and theory.

We are looking for a Research Associate I as part of an interdisciplinary team working on spatial transcriptomics. The goal of our team is to produce high quality in situ hybridization data in order to characterize cell types in the brain. This person is responsible for executing a variety of laboratory tasks and/or experiments in a high-throughput laboratory environment following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Good judgment and problem‑solving skills are required for process development, recognizing process deviations, participating in troubleshooting, and operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. The successful candidate is well‑organized, curious to answer scientific questions, and takes pride in producing high‑quality data in a timely manner.

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.

Please include a cover letter with your application describing your career goals and the reasons you’re interested in this position.

• Operate fluorescence imaging microscopes
• Handling of mouse and human tissue
• Perform multiple histological staining processes (Nissl, IHC, Biocytin, ISH)
• Prepare and assemble custom slides and imaging chambers
• Operate MERSCOPE, Xenium and any other imaging equipment within the team
• Compile, process and analyze data; evaluate and communicate research results
• Evaluate, calibrate, and troubleshoot experiment quality and instrument functionality
• Contribute to a rigorously scientific, cohesive and efficient team environment
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation using established methods, which may include Microsoft Office, Custom Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and other packages
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures, good laboratory practices, and comply with all regulatory requirements
• Other duties as assigned

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science or related field
• Basic knowledge of neuroscience and cell biology

• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Strong scientific communication skills (written and oral)
• 0-2 years experience working in a laboratory setting
• Laboratory experience with cell or molecular biology
• Hands‑on experience working with microscopes
• Strong computer skills, knowledge of databases, and reading/running scripts
• Understanding of custom imaging software programs

• Laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards
• Occasional exposure to safety hazards, noises, change in temperature, chemicals, and other hazardous materials and machinery
• Exposure to Class IV lasers

• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching, or climbing ladders
• Must be able to resolve red/green colors
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate…