Scientist I - Data and Knowledge Coordination

Scientist I - Data and Knowledge Coordination – Human Cell Types

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 Seattle Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Cell Atlas (SEA-AD) consortium strives to achieve a deep molecular and cellular understanding of the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Leveraging advances in quantitative neuropathology and next-generation single cell molecular profiling technologies we are generating large-scale data sets from well-characterized donors that span the spectrum of AD pathology to comprehensively map human brain cell types across aging and disease. These data along with tools for their use are made freely and publicly available.

We seek to hire a Scientist to manage the transition of multimodal data from several SEA-AD consortium sites into a centralized database at the Allen Institute ("data ingest"), and to transition data and associated knowledge from SEA-AD to the scientific community through existing and novel web products to be hosted on SEA-AD.org ("knowledge egress"). This position will collaborate both (1) with the dynamic team of quantitative and experimental scientists in SEA-AD to understand the relevant data and science and (2) with product managers and software engineers in the Allen Institute's Data and Technology (D&T) team to understand where SEA-AD needs align with existing Allen Institute infrastructure. In cases where novel data ingest systems or web products are needed, this position will be responsible for creating them in collaboration with other SEA-AD and D&T team members. The position provides the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of individuals, and the role will contribute to key components of the project.

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

• Interact with SEA-AD scientists to document data processing protocols and metadata fields from all SEA-AD sites
• Participate in designing a centralized database with aligned terms and facilitate ingest of multimodal data from all SEA-AD sites therein; as needed, develop novel scripts and graphical user interfaces
• Interface with the SEA-AD team to understand and develop tools and resources for sharing SEA-AD data and knowledge
• Interface with the D&T team to understand how each request aligns with the product roadmap; develop interactive prototypes for desired web products to stand alone or be integrated with existing D&T efforts
• Compile a shareable codebase for collaborative science
• Participate in a highly interactive and multidisciplinary environment

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

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Data Science, Software, Computer Science, Applied Math, or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Fluency programming in R and/or Python and Bash/LINUX
• Previous work on studying a biological system or disease

Preferred Education and Experience

• Previous work in Alzheimer's disease
• Fluency in databasing solutions (e.g., SQLite, MongoDB, Microsoft Access)
• Fluency with GitHub (or other version control system)
• Experience in website design or other visual arts, including (but not limited to) tools for interactive graphics (e.g., R Shiny, Streamlit, Panel, React, Tableau, Observable)
• Proven independent thinking
• Strong publication track record
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Physical Demands

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

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This position is funded until 2030 through a grant awarded by the NIA
• This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. 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

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

$86,150 - $106,650*

• 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 Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

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