Scientist I – Analysis of Alzheimer’s Disease Multiomics Data
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 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 analyze and interpret these datasets, which will include heterogeneous donors spanning the variability seen in AD. The position will explore changes to cell types common across co‑morbidities, sexes, races, and more using quantitative measures of neuropathology and whole‑genome sequencing generated data from each donor. This role will leverage existing computational tools and develop novel pipelines and approaches to analyze and interpret these data. The position will collaborate with a dynamic team of quantitative and experimental scientists to build a quantitative framework for how and how consistently cell types are impacted in AD, with a goal of identifying common signatures of early Alzheimer’s disease.
Essential Functions
- Adapt existing or develop novel computational tools to rigorously quantify changes in cell types in Alzheimer’s disease across community datasets
- Associate gene expression and chromatin accessibility changes with relevant and available donor metadata or secondary data types (e.g. structural imaging or blood biomarkers)
- Compare cell type changes across disease progression across axes of heterogeneity to identify common early changes that may inform biomarkers
- Interact with scientists from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to design analytical approaches and refine computational strategies
- Work with experimental scientists to design experiments to validate predictions of disease function
- Participate in a highly interactive and multidisciplinary environment
- Publish and present findings in peer‑reviewed journals and scientific conferences
Required Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Computer Science, Applied Math, or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
- Fluency in programming in Python and high performance computing
- Fluency with version control systems (e.g. Git/Github)
- Familiarity with analysis of RNA‑sequencing or related data types
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience with modeling disease or developmental trajectories, or related computational studies
- Additional experience in computational analysis and statistical assessment of biological datasets in other modalities such as spatial statistics, ATAC‑seq analysis, computational anatomy, or related fields
- Previous work on studying Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases
- Familiarity with additional programming languages (e.g., R)
- Experience with GPU‑based deep learning
- Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong publication track record
Physical Demands
- Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds (reference: a ream of paper weighs approx. 5lbs)
- 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 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.
Travel
Occasional attendance and participation in national and international conferences.
Additional Comments
- Please attach a cover letter with your application
- Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance
- Please note, this opportunity may offer visa sponsorship
Annualized Salary Range
$92,250 - $114,100 *
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 401(k) 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: .
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr