Summer Intern – Brain Science / Cell type-specific proteomics in the mouse brain

Summer Intern – Brain Science / Cell type-specific proteomics in the mouse brain

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 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 integration of experiments, modeling and theory.

We are seeking a Summer Intern to help in the process of optimizing data collection methods and analyzing data for cell type-specific proteomics of the mouse brain. This project is part of a new initiative at the institute to systemically characterize protein content of cell types across the mouse brain, and as such provide an opportunity to assist in early methods development and optimization. These methods may include 1) using in vivo labeling methods to label and extract proteins from whole cells and subcellular compartments (e.g. proximity labeling methods), 2) isolating membrane-bound synapses (e.g. synaptosomes) from specific neuronal cell types and extracting protein contents, and/or 3) single-cell proteomic methods. Protein extracts collected from the above methods will be sent to third party institutions for mass spectrometry profiling and data will be returned for further downstream analysis. The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Applications must be received by January 7, 2025, to be considered.

Educational Objectives

• Knowledge of transgenic mouse lines for targeting cell types
• Knowledge of enhancer adeno-associated viruses (AAV) viral tools for targeting cell types
• Protein extraction from brain tissue
• Western blotting
• Immunohistochemistry
• Mass spectrometry-derived proteomic data analysis (in R or Python)

Required Knowledge and Experience

• Experience with basic molecular biology skills and practices (eg. pipetting, sterile technique, calculating dilutions, etc.)
• Some experience in scripting language such as R or Python

Applicant Requirements

• Must be enrolled in, or a 2025 graduate of an accredited associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program
• Must be able to start on either June 9th or June 23rd, 2025 and commit to the full 10-week program
• Must be eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the internship
• Must be 18 years of age or older

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment - possible exposure to chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances.
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)
• Working with dry ice or liquid nitrogen
• Sample handling of the following material, including but not limited to: human whole blood, PBMC, Plasma, nucleic acids, and cells

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate equipment
• Repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Push/pull up to 20 pounds

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Interns are expected to work 35-40 hours a week throughout the 10-week period
• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity requires U.S work authorization and does not sponsor work visas**
• **Travel and/or housing stipend available to qualifying interns**

Compensation

• $21.50 per hour (non-negotiable)

Benefits

• Interns will accrue paid sick days and receive a free Seattle transportation card (ORCA Business Passport)

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.