Scientific Project and Alliance Manager - Global Brain Observatory

Scientific Project and Alliance Manager – Global Brain Observatory

The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.

Building on the experience and community developed through OpenScope, the Global Brain Observatory (GBO) will implement brain-wide recordings across a wide range of animal behaviors and make these platforms available to the international research community. GBO will create a groundbreaking scientific discovery engine for systems neuroscience that complements traditional investigator-driven science. We will conduct projects seeded by the entire community with broad scientific impact across research programs in hundreds of laboratories. All data will be made available in accessible formats through open repositories. Through shared infrastructure, rigorous data practices, and worldwide collaboration, GBO will generate openly accessible datasets that accelerate the development of mechanistic, brain-wide models applicable to health and disease.

We are seeking a Scientific Project Manager to support the operational structure for this ambitious, multi-year program. Working closely with the GBO Director, the Scientific Project Manager will help coordinate the community-driven selection and execution of scientific projects, and the open release of data to a growing network of partner laboratories worldwide. We are looking for a team player with strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; someone who can navigate complex group dynamics and work effectively across scientific, technical, administrative, and funder interfaces. This role is well suited to a detail-oriented individual who is passionate about team science and open science.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly. We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like 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 our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Develop, maintain, and communicate integrated project plans, milestones, and timelines for GBO, using project management best practices and tools
• In partnership with the GBO Director and all scientists, drive the execution of deliverables across engineering, experimental, and data teams, from platform build-out through pilot experiments and production data collection
• Coordinate the GBO community engagement cycle, including calls for proposals, external review panels and workshops with participating laboratories
• Organize meetings, track decisions and action items, and maintain shared documentation
• Work with stakeholders and finance to coordinate budget planning, forecasting, and monitoring, including procurement and vendor timelines for instrumentation
• Partner with scientific staff to develop competitive applications for external funding and prepare progress reports for funders. Ensure that grants management best practices are followed
• Track and report program metrics, including platform throughput, data release milestones, and community usage
• Facilitate efficient communication between scientific, technical, administrative, legal, and communications groups, including support for collaboration and data-sharing agreements

RequiredEducation and Experience

• PhD in neuroscience, biological sciences, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 1 year of project management experience in a scientific or technical environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, timelines, and stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with scientists, engineers, and non-specialist audiences
• Ability to work both independently and within a highly collaborative team environment.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail

PreferredEducation and Experience

• 5+ years of project management experience beyond an academic laboratory/postdoctoral setting
• Formal project management training
• Experience with competitive external funding applications (federal and private), including familiarity with the budget process and relevant compliance and post-award reporting requirements
• Experience managing large-scale, multi-institution, or international scientific collaborations or consortia
• Experience with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Project/Planner, Smartsheet, or Jira)

Work Environment

• Office environment
• Occasional visits to laboratory environments, which may include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer

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 for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis

Travel

• Occasional travel to partner sites and community workshops required
• Attendance and participation in national and international conferences may be required

Additional Comments

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $121,450 - $151,800 *

* 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 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.