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ASPIRE Intern – Brain Science: Software Engineering - High-Throughput Data Ingest in the Brain Knowledge Platform

Allen Institute
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ASPIRE Intern – Brain Science: Software Engineering - High-Throughput Data Ingest in the Brain Knowledge Platform

The mission of the Allen Institute is to understand the principles that govern life and to advance health. Our creative and multi-dimensional teams focus on answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience. We accelerate foundational research, catalyze bold ideas, develop tools and models, and openly share our science to make a broad, transformational impact on the world.

The mission of the Allen Institute for Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. Using a big science approach, we generate useful public resources, drive technological and analytical advances, and discover fundamental brain properties through integration of experiments, modeling and theory. 

We are seeking an intern to design and prototype rapid upload of scientific data to our cloud-based data tracking system, called the Brain Knowledge Platform. The Brain Knowledge Platform is powered by an interconnected set of databases and APIs into which new scientific information is recorded. As the scale and pace of science continues to increase, data upload events are requiring increased computing time and engineering effort. We are seeking an intern to build and evaluate prototypes of options to expedite the upload of data to the Brain Knowledge Platform. 

Our intern will, in conjunction with the professional software engineers on our Data Platform Development Team, design, evaluate, and implement an approach to rapidly validate and save scientific data into the Brain Knowledge Platform. Example methods considered may include developing a custom data-loading tool or optimizing server-side database and API code. A successful intern will bring the ability to write code, an intent to begin a career as a backend software engineer, and desire to use their skills in a scientific setting. We will provide dedicated technical and professional mentorship as well as resources to learn or refine skills relevant to the project. By the conclusion of the program, the intern will learn to use modern backend software engineering practices in a professional environment and will deliver findings and prototypes to help guide the future of our data ingest technology.

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.

Applications must be received by January 12, 2026, to be considered.

Educational Objectives

  • Gain experience in the professional software development process including agile, peer code reviews, Jira task tracking, and continuous integration
  • Hands-on learning with modern software engineering tools likely including C#/.NET, Python, GraphQL APIs, PostgreSQL, AWS, and GitHub
  • Guided experience with software architecture and design decisions
  • Learn about neuroscience and the impact of software on scientific discovery

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Demonstrated commitment to science
  • Ability to write code in at least one object-oriented programming language such as C#, Python, or Java 
  • Completion of computer programming coursework or demonstration of skills through a coding project (e.g. class or personal project, hackathon, boot camp, prior internship, etc.)

Work Environment 

  • Open office environment

Physical Demands

  • Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment
  • Repetitive motion with lab 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.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications 

  • Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree prior to the start of the program, and no earlier than December 1, 2023, and must not have an advanced degree in field relevant to the role/project
  • Must be able to start in June or July 2026 and commit to the full one-year program, which will end on May 28, 2027
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the program duration
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

Additional Comments

  • ASPIRE Interns are expected to participate as fully-engaged team members, attending and participating in team meetings, presenting on their work, etc.
  • Aside from program activities, interns are expected to work full-time as regular team members unless otherwise approved by their manager
  • **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
  • **Please note, this opportunity requires U.S work authorization and does not sponsor work visas**

Annualized Salary

  • $61,048 (non-negotiable)

Benefits

  • ASPIRE Interns (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.