Associate Investigator - Brain Disease Proteomics and Connectomics

Associate Investigator Brain disease proteomics and connectomicsThe 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 Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Lewy Body Dementia, Huntingtons 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 Alzheimers 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.Essential FunctionsLead breakthrough research and deployment of state-of-the-art methods in cellular and circuit neuroscienceContribute to forming and participating in a larger discovery science effort to understand the cellular, molecular and circuit basis of neurodegenerative diseasesAdvise and mentor a group of scientists and technicians performing proteomic and connectomic studies in human brain tissuesContribute to Alzheimers research as part of the Seattle Alzheimers Disease Brain Cell Atlas (SEA-AD)Work collaboratively across teams working in related technological or disease-centric areasDevelop and establish scalable methods for cleared and/or expanded techniques in human tissuesDevelop high-affinity reagents for specific labeling of relevant targetsSeek and evaluate new cutting-edge techniques in related areasWork synergistically with bioinformaticians and data scientistsPublish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetingsPresent a periodic summary of progress to the research community, Institute executive leadership and external advisorsPursue 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 managements assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.*Required Education and ExperiencePh.D. and/or M.D./Ph.D. in experimental neuroscience or biology, physics, engineering, or related academic or biomedical disciplineMinimum 7 years relevant experience in experimental and/or computational neuroscience, with supporting publication recordDomain knowledge of systems, cellular and/or molecular neuroscience, with emphasis on studies of synaptic connectivityExperience working independently as well as in a collaborative high paced environmentExperience working with outside collaborators to achieve defined objectivesPreferred Education and Experience10 or more years of post-PhD working experience10 or more years of experience teaching scientific courses or workshops in formal settingsProven track record in procuring funding in the form of grants, awards, and/or contractsProven track record of success publishing in high impact journalsExcellent management skills and ability to work in a group and interact closely with scientific and technological collaboratorsProven strong written and verbal communication skillsWork Environment Laboratory environment may require entering labs where experiments take place Working at a desk with computer analyzing dataPhysical Demands Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipmentPosition Type/Expected Hours of WorkThis 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 StateTravel Occasional travel to collaborator sites Occasional attendance and participation in national and international conferences may be required Additional Eligibility QualificationsAll 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 requiredAnnualized Salary Range$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.Benefits Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institutes 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institutes benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.Department: BH - BHA Mgmt