Research Associate I – Tissue Clearing and Expansion

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 the integration of experiments, modeling, and theory.

The Imaging department within Brain Science is a team of 20 research associates, scientists, and data analysts, who prepare brain tissue specimens and operate commercial and customized optical systems to collect and interpret data serving a wide variety of scientific work at the institute. To facilitate the study of cellular full morphology, projectome, and connectome within the mouse brain, we plan to generate high value data sets that capture molecular specific labeling of cellular structures that span large three-dimensional volumes of the brain via the custom built ExaSPIM light sheet microscope.

Experimental approaches include tissue clearing/expansion, RNA and protein localization in intact brains, and microscopy. We seek an individual who will take responsibility for key tasks and work closely with other team members to achieve the team's goals. The successful applicant will receive training in all relevant techniques, but prior experience in related histological techniques would be beneficial. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and good judgment for troubleshooting, recognizing process deviations, and supporting process development. The successful applicant will be highly motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with curiosity to answer scientific questions and a strong commitment to 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.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Professional handling of fixed and unfixed biological specimens
• Tissue fixation and tissue clearing via aqueous and solvent based techniques
• Tissue staining via immunohistochemistry, histology, and related tissue staining techniques
• Hydrogel embedding and expansion of tissue
• Light and fluorescent microscopy, image viewing in Fiji or Photoshop
• Track and monitor large numbers of specimens in various stages of preparation
• Work in an interdisciplinary team to continually produce large, three-dimensional image data sets of whole mouse brains
• Communicate effectively with others inside and outside the organization, e.g. through presentations within the institute and at scientific conferences, and publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures, good laboratory practices, and comply with regulatory requirements
• 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.*

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Physiology, Chemistry, or related field

Preferred Education And Experience

• Experience in biological tissue preparation, e.g. fixation and histological staining
• Experience with biological microscopy, tissue expansion and super resolution techniques
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated problem-solving and experiment management skills
• Ability to work in a high-performance group environment

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, laser, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Will work with laboratory reagents that require use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and chemical fume hood
• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animal tissues
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; fine repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching or climbing ladders

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This ro