Summer Intern – Neural Dynamics / Enabling real-time, large volume image visualization and analysis

Summer Intern – Neural Dynamics / Enabling real-time, large volume image visualization and analysis

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 Neural Dynamics is to answer fundamental questions about brain function. Specifically, how does our brain build our understanding of the complex world around us to guide the flexible behaviors that address our biological needs? The answers will be in terms of defined neuron types interacting across the whole brain and body, requiring us to develop next-generation neurotechnologies and employ a team-based approach for discovery neuroscience. Knowledge, data, and tools will be widely shared, in part to support the development of therapies for brain disorders.

We are seeking a highly motivated Summer Intern to join the Molecular Anatomy and Scientific Computing teams within the Allen Institute of Neural Dynamics. Modern microscopes are capable of acquiring images at an incredible speed, often outpacing the ability to process the images for visualization. This delay in feedback slows down the experimental loop and can lead to missed opportunities for iteration. Under the joint supervision of two mentors, the Intern will contribute to an exciting project that will alleviate this bottleneck. By creatively employing automation scripting and utilizing the Allen Institute’s high-performance computing cluster, the Intern will develop a software solution that will enable scientists to visualize multi-terabyte datasets minutes after the completion of experiments. This effort will also ensure experimental metadata is complete for datasets, ensuring use of a rich metadata-generation library is standard compliant.

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

• Team-oriented software engineering practices
• Interfacing with scientists to develop application-specific solutions to real-world problems
• Distributed processing (with python) of very large datasets
• Cloud computing with AWS and Code Ocean
• Data visualization in cloud native environment

Required Knowledge and Experience

• Familiarity with linux
• Ability to write code in 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.

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 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 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.