AI/ML Research Intern - AI/ML in Biology

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 Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is to provide state-of-the-art engineering infrastructure across the Institute and to address high-risk, high-reward questions in biology through AI.

We are seeking an AI/ML Research Intern in the Office of the CTO to contribute to AI/ML approaches in biology. This role will focus on applying machine learning methods to better understand complex biological systems using multimodal datasets. Areas of focus may include multimodal modeling, diffusion models, causal representation learning, and related approaches.

Over the course of the internship, the intern will work closely with mentors to apply and evaluate machine learning approaches using existing biological datasets. This may include implementing models, testing and comparing approaches, and contributing to ongoing research efforts. The intern will collaborate with scientists, computational biologists, and engineers to explore how AI/ML methods can be used to generate insight from complex biological data.

This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience applying machine learning in a research setting, with exposure to real-world biological data, collaborative development practices, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

**This is a full-time (40 hour/week) internship with a scheduled duration of 12 weeks, based in Seattle, WA.**

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

• Support the development and application of AI/ML methods for analyzing multimodal biological data
• Work with datasets such as multi-omics, imaging, and other complex scientific data
• Implement and evaluate machine learning models, including testing different approaches and analyzing results
• Assist in preparing and processing data for modeling and analysis
• Collaborate with scientists, computational biologists, and software engineers across the Institute
• Participate in research discussions, literature review, and code development using collaborative tools (e.g., Git, code review)
• Communicate progress and findings to relevant teams

*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

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or a related technical field. Early-stage PhD (typically years 1-2 preferred)
• Familiarity with modern machine learning techniques
• Experience with Python and standard ML tools (e.g., Git, Docker)

Preferred Education and Experience

• Exposure to applying AI/ML models to complex or large-scale datasets
• Interest in biological or scientific applications of machine learning
• Familiarity with collaborative or research environments
• Strong problem-solving skills and curiosity

Work Environment

• Office-based, collaborative research environment
• Work primarily conducted on computers using standard development and data analysis tools

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently on-site and is expected to work on-site for the majority of working hours. The primary work location is 615 Westlake Ave N., Seattle, WA, with limited flexibility for remote work

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a PhD program at the time of the internship
• Must be able to commit to the full 12-week internship duration
• Must be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the internship

Additional Comments

• Interns are expected to participate as fully engaged team members, including attending meetings, contributing to discussions, and sharing updates on their work
• Relocation assistance may be available
• Work visa sponsorship may be available

Annualized Salary Range

$86,150 - $106,650 *

* 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.