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Investigator - Huntington's Disease Biology and Therapeutics

Allen Institute, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127

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Overview

Investigator – Huntington’s Disease Biology and Therapeutics 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, aiming to dramatically accelerate understanding of human brain structure and function, identify molecular, cellular and circuit bases of disease progression, and pioneer new therapeutic strategies targeting vulnerable and affected cell types. The mission focuses on 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 to move from discovery to clinical application. We are seeking an outstanding individual to lead a new translational program in Huntington’s Disease (HD) focused on genetic therapies targeting disease-affected cell types and molecular programs. The successful candidate will be an established, internationally recognized researcher in Huntington’s disease with a strong track record in understanding HD disease mechanisms and preclinical studies using genetic strategies to attenuate disease progression. This candidate should be a thought leader in the field, have deep relationships with relevant HD foundations, funders and industry players in HD therapeutics, and a strong track record of obtaining funding for HD research. They should be highly motivated to move from findings in disease characterization to identification of actionable targets, preclinical target advancement and first-in-human trials. 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. The successful candidate will also have excellent communication skills that can represent our efforts to stakeholders internally and in external forums. The Allen Institute offers exceptional working conditions and nurtures team science in an intellectually rich setting. We provide a highly collaborative research environment offering the opportunity to interface closely with molecular and cell biologists, bioinformaticians, and partner institutions. This is a Principal Investigator position comparable to a Full Professor in a University/Medical School setting. At the Allen Institute, we believe science is for everyone and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers. We also believe science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels 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 open positions. Essential Functions

Lead breakthrough research and deployment of state-of-the-art disease-modifying approaches to treating Huntington’s disease Contribute to forming and participating in a larger precision medicine program based on cell- and circuit-targeting therapeutics across multiple diseases Advise and mentor a group of scientists and technicians performing molecular, behavioral and other relevant techniques in HD models, ideally combining with selective cellular targeting tools developed at the Allen Institute Assist and participate in enabling and optimizing “discovery science” efforts to characterize human HD progression and mechanisms Seek and evaluate new cutting-edge techniques in related areas, such as gene regulatory approaches applicable to gene therapy applications Work synergistically with bioinformaticians and data scientists Publish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetings Serve in relevant advisory roles in the HD community Present a periodic summary of progress to the research community, Institute executive leadership and external advisors Pursue 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 management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Required Education and Experience

Ph.D. and/or M.D./Ph.D. in experimental neuroscience or biology, physics, engineering, or related academic or biomedical discipline Minimum of eight years relevant experience in experimental and/or computational neuroscience, with supporting publication record Domain knowledge of systems, cellular and/or molecular neuroscience, with emphasis on Huntington’s disease Proven experience working independently as well as in a collaborative high-paced environment Demonstrated experience working with outside collaborators to achieve defined objectives Preferred Education and Experience

10 or more years of post-PhD working experience in Huntington’s disease biology 10 or more years of experience teaching scientific courses or workshops in formal settings Proven track record in procuring funding in the form of grants, awards, and/or contracts Proven track record of success publishing in high impact journals Excellent management skills and ability to work in a group and interact closely with scientific and technological collaborators Proven strong written and verbal communication skills Work Environment

Laboratory environment – may require entering labs where experiments take place Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals may be required This may include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) Working at a desk with computer analyzing data 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 role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis. Travel

Occasional travel to collaborator sites Occasional attendance and participation in national and international conferences may be required Additional Eligibility Qualifications

All 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 health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required. Additional Comments

Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship Annualized Salary Range

$224,200 - $294,250 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 available as outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. Details on benefits are at 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 law. The Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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