Research Associate III - Precision Medicine Pipeline

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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 moonshot initiative 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.

We are seeking a Research Associate III to join the precision medicine pipeline which aims to develop and test new cell type specific AAVs to treat neurodegenerative brain disorders, such as ALS and Parkinson’s Disease. The ideal candidate will have experience in neuroscience, fluorescence imaging and molecular biology (cloning, immunohistochemistry and western blot). This individual will contribute to the evaluation of therapeutic AAV candidates in cultured cells and in mice.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are essential.

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.

Essential Functions

• Design, clone, and validate AAV vectors using standard molecular biology techniques
• Evaluate viral vectors in cultured cells
• Perform euthanasia and harvesting of mouse brain regions and peripheral organs for downstream biochemical and histological analyses
• Deliver AAVs to mice using different routes of administration (e.g. retro‑orbital and intraperitoneal injection
• Perform and troubleshoot western blot and immunohistochemistry experiments
• Analyze, quantify, and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and imaging software tools
• Maintain detailed and precise experimental records, generate presentations to communicate results, and share results rapidly and transparently with the team

Note:

Reasonable accommodation may be provided 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.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in neurobiology, cell biology, biology, biochemistry or related field
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs

Preferred Education and Experience

• 5 - 8 years of research experience in neurobiology, virology, or related field
• Experience with standard cloning techniques
• Experience handling mice, especially mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases
• Experience with sectioning, staining, and imaging mouse brain tissues with fluorescent microscopy
• Experience with protein processing and analysis from cells and/or tissue
• Experience with…