Associate Director - Data Driven Discovery in Biology

Associate Director, Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biology

The Allen Institute’s mission is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance knowledge to improve human health. The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) supports this mission by providing engineering infrastructure, as well as developing and implementing high-impact, data-driven tools for foundational bioscience.

An integral part of OCTO, the Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biology (D3B) advances computational biology by developing cutting-edge theories, models, and AI tools to uncover the fundamental principles of living systems. By collaborating with experimentalists and integrating efforts across the Allen Institute, D3B drives discoveries at the forefront of biology, positioning the Institute as a leader in AI-driven biological research.

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), the Associate Director of the Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biology (D3B) will help lead an interdisciplinary team of investigators, scientists, and engineers to develop and apply theoretically motivated, next-generation AI/ML techniques that accelerate biological discovery. The ideal candidate will develop and apply computational methods for the representation, analysis, and interpretation of multimodal data to understand biological systems in health and disease.

The Associate Director will collaborate with scientific leadership to build and drive a portfolio of impactful research projects, ensuring their success and advancing the Allen Institute’s position as a leader in AI-driven biology. This individual will support the CTO to oversee D3B’s scientific goals, manage ongoing projects, and initiate new research programs while fostering partnerships both within the Institute and externally. A key focus will be mentoring and growing teams, cultivating a strong collaborative culture, and delivering solutions that address critical challenges in biology.

As the Associate Director of D3B, you will be part of the team driving transformative discoveries by bridging computation and biology, leading an exceptional team to tackle fundamental questions in biology. Your role will directly advance the Allen Institute’s mission, building the tools, models, and insights that will unlock the complexity of biology and help improve human health.

If you are passionate about applying AI/ML techniques to solve real-world biological challenges, this role offers the platform, resources, and collaborative environment to make a lasting impact.

The Allen Institute is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this role, knowing that high-quality science benefits from a diversity of perspectives.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the development and implementation of a scientific strategy for D3B that balances exploratory research with high-impact, goal-driven projects aligned with the Allen Institute’s mission
• Maintain an active research program that translates computational discoveries into actionable insights that inform broader scientific understanding
• Assist in the building of strategic collaborations with academic, industry, and funding partners to expand resources, expertise, and opportunities for the Center
• Mentor and guide junior researchers, interns, or students working on AI/ML projects related to biological research
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages participation from team members with different voices, experiences, and backgrounds
• Collaborate with teams of scientists, computational biologists, and software engineers across the Allen Institute and external partners
• Work closely with leadership to identify and scope priority questions and projects that align with the Center’s Principles

Additional Functions

• Identify training needs and foster the professional development of staff, particularly in bridging the gap between computational and biological expertise
• Assist in the recruitment of new staff, ensuring a blend of skills necessary for the center's projects
• Lead efforts in communicating the center’s findings to the broader scientific community, stakeholders, and the public
• Work with diverse biological datatypes, including multi-omics data, microscopy data, in vivo and behavioral imaging data, electrophysiological data, and clinical data
• Promote open science through publishing papers and open-source code. Help to establish community standards for scalability in developing, disseminating, and evaluating AI/ML/computational methods for scientific problems
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI/ML and their potential applications in biological research, ensuring the Allen Institute remains at the forefront of this field

**Please include a cover letter with your application**

Note: Reasonable accommodation 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

• PhD in Computational Biology, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Biology, Physics, or similar field
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team of scientists at various career stages and provide mentorship
• Demonstrated strong track record of excellence in research

Preferred Education and Experience

• 3-10 years of experience in Computational Biology
• Strong publication record of innovative scientific accomplishments (both individual and team)
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse fields including computer science, computational biology, and clinical medicine
• In-depth understanding of software engineering best practices and expertise in open software-based coding such as Python
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally with research and operational teams
• Experience in mentoring and career development
• In-depth understanding of the computational biology landscape, including emerging technologies and methodologies
• Strong networking skills, particularly in the academic and computational biology communities
• Knowledge of data preprocessing, normalization, and integration techniques specific to biological and clinical datasets
• Familiarity with bioinformatics databases, tools, and workflows for analyzing and interpreting biological data
• Experience with data visualization and presentation of complex biological findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to develop innovative computational approaches to address complex biological questions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Commitment to open science principles, including publishing papers, sharing code, and contributing to the establishment of community standards for scalable AI/ML methods in scientific research
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office 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

• Attendance and participation in national and international conferences

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity offers work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

$189,150 - $248,200*

* 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 401k 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: 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.

Salary : $189,150 - $248,200