Director, Scientific Computing - Neural Dynamics

Director, Scientific Computing - Neural Dynamics

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.

The goal of the Neural Dynamics accelerator is to understand how the brain generates flexible behavior. We aim to uncover the algorithms—implemented by dynamics in brain-wide neural circuits—that allow animals to build internal models, process information, and choose actions.

We are searching for a Director of Scientific Computing to define and execute the long-term scientific computing strategy that powers Neural Dynamics’ research programs and radical approach to open science. The Director will oversee engineering capabilities that empower internal and external scientists to make discoveries using petabyte scale biological datasets and large foundation and mechanistic models of the brain.

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

• Execute a long-term strategy to scale computing platforms, data infrastructure, and data processing capabilities to support ambitious science projects
• Serve as a senior technology leader, collaborating with scientific, operational, and administrative teams
• Establish best practices and standards for software engineering, including data management and infrastructure usage
• Develop and foster strategic collaborations with academic institutions, non-profits, technology companies, and community standards bodies
• Lead the analysis of petascale multimodal biological data, leveraging state-of-the-art ML for images, timeseries, and omics data
• Build and operate performant data processing pipelines for science platforms
• Identify, adopt and teach emerging technologies to ensure that Neural Dynamics stays at the forefront of ML and AI
• Partner with scientific and engineering teams across the Institute to enable breakthrough discovery at the intersection of biology and computation and advancing integrated, multimodal data platforms and resources that support open science and broad community use

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, engineering, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in computer science, data engineering, software development, data science, machine learning or related fields
• Proven experience in scaling tools and algorithms for large datasets
• Expertise in ML and agentic workflows applied to large datasets
• Experience managing and leading engineering teams
• Proven excellent strategic and operational planning skills
• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of software engineering best practices
• Experience in mentoring and career development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment, and being a spokesperson for the organization

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering of science discipline
• Experience with neuroscience or other biomedical sciences
• Expertise in ML applied to large-scale image data and / or time-series analysis
• Expertise in cloud computing, including strategy, deployment, and management
• Experience in integrating scientific priorities and operational excellence
• Experience in managing complex technology operations and multi-disciplinary teams
• Demonstrated capability in financial planning and oversight, people management, and meeting aggressive timelines

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 working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of the working hours. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.

Travel

• Attendance and participation in national and international conferences as appropriate

Additional Comments

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $224,200 - $294,250

* 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.