Software Engineer II

Software Engineer – Machine Vision and Automation

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 focused on fundamental discoveries in systems neuroscience. We are interested in how the brain builds our understanding of the complex world to guide the flexible behaviors that address our biological needs. The answers will be in terms of defined neuron types and circuits interacting across the whole brain and body. We will develop next-generation methods and theories and employ a team-based approach for discovery neuroscience. Knowledge, data, models and tools will be widely shared, in part to support the development of therapies for brain disorders.

We are seeking a Software Engineer to help us push the boundaries of mouse neurophysiology by automating the alignment and insertion of high-density neural probes. The initial focus will be on developing Parallax (https://github.com/allenneuraldynamics/parallax), an open-source application that uses machine vision to track the location of many Neuropixels probes in parallel. The ideal candidate will be team-oriented, results-driven, and able to communicate effectively with scientists. We hope this engineer will eventually spearhead other open-source projects that improve our ability to record neural activity across the entire brain.

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.

Essential Functions

• Build software that meets the needs of a broad community of experimental neuroscientists
• Carry out extensive testing to quantify robustness and overall system performance
• Write documentation and tutorials for both developers and end users

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

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• 1 year of equivalent experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2 - 4 years of professional experience developing applications in Python
• Familiarity with machine vision
• Expertise with version control using git
• Master’s or PhD in a scientific or technical field (such as computer science, computer engineering, bioengineering, neuroscience, physics)
• Demonstrated interest in foundational science
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience building graphical user interfaces
• Experience with image processing and/or machine vision
• Experience with laboratory automation and instrumentation interfaces

Work Environment

• Will work in laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Occasional evening and weekend hours required
• 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 offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity offers work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

• $105,196 - $147,274 *

• Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with 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 Institute's 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 individuals with disabilities.