Research Associate, Research Scientist, Clinical Research

About Subsense

Subsense is a deep-tech company developing the world’s first non-surgical, bidirectional brain-computer interface powered by plasmonic and magneto electric nanoparticles. Our mission is to unlock direct communication between the human brain and AI - starting with medical applications such as stroke recovery and moving toward cognitive enhancement for healthy users. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Subsense brings together leading scientists and engineers to redefine the future of human–machine interaction.

The Research Associate plays a foundational role in advancing our neurotechnology platform, with a strong focus on cell culture and tissue-based experimentation. You will contribute directly to in vitro and in vivo research by maintaining and executing mammalian cell culture, supporting tissue preparation and histology workflows, preparing experimental materials, and operating critical laboratory equipment. This role is ideal for someone excited to work hands-on at the bench at the intersection of nanomaterials, neuroscience, and bioengineering, and who is eager to deepen expertise in cell and tissue systems within a fast-paced, early-stage R&D environment.

• Perform routine cell culture maintenance (plating, passaging, viability checks) and assist in executing in vitro assays
• Support neuroscience, cell biology, and materials science experiments, including sample preparation, nanoparticle handling, histology tasks, and general wet-lab procedures
• Prepare reagents, buffers, nanoparticle suspensions, and biological materials following SOPs with precision and consistency
• Support in vivo studies by preparing materials, maintaining detailed records, and assisting senior scientists during experiment execution
• Operate and maintain lab equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, biosafety cabinets, and analytical instruments
• Maintain strong lab organization standards — inventory management, ordering, waste handling, safety documentation, and compliance records
• Conduct measurements, imaging, and basic data collection; document results in digital lab notebooks with high accuracy
• Contribute to the development and refinement of laboratory workflows, SOPs, and quality documentation as the company scales
• Collaborate cross-functionally with neuroscientists, engineers, and materials scientists to enable efficient experimental execution

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline
• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, biotech, or research setting
• Experience with standard wet-lab techniques (pipetting, dilutions, microscopy, solution preparation, sterile technique)
• Basic experience with cell culture or strong aptitude and willingness to learn quickly
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, chemical handling, and research documentation
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to follow protocols precisely
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced research environment with shifting priorities
• Proactive, dependable, and curious; motivated to learn and support multiple research efforts
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Location:
  
  Palo Alto, CA

Subsense is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.