Scientist - Neurobiology

Overview

Merge Labs is a frontier research lab with the mission of bridging biological and artificial intelligence to maximize human ability, agency and experience. We are pursuing this goal by developing fundamentally new approaches to brain–computer interfaces that interact with the brain at high bandwidth, integrate with advanced AI, and are ultimately safe and accessible for anyone to use.

Our Bio team designs, builds, and characterizes the biotechnologies that form the foundation of next-generation brain–computer interfaces. We combine molecular engineering, synthetic biology, neuroscience and advanced physical methods such as ultrasound to establish less invasive, high-bandwidth connections with neurons. The Bio team develops our core molecular technologies, validates their performance in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrates their advanced capabilities in animal models.

We build custom experimental setups and pipelines and collaborate closely with engineers and data scientists. We work across disciplines to come up with creative ideas and solve some of the most challenging problems in biotechnology.

As a Neurobiologist at Merge Labs, you will be an integral member of the team developing advanced molecular BCI technologies. You will establish experimental approaches to test these technologies in rodent models (and/or ex-vivo preparations), optimize their performance, and demonstrate their capabilities in neuroscience paradigms. You will collaborate with molecular engineers, data scientists and physical engineers to solve problems and come up with new ideas.

Your work will enable the translation of new BCI technology into clinical applications.

• Build experimental capabilities for in vivo neurobiology experiments involving novel biomolecular technologies and physical methods for imaging and modulation.
• Work closely with molecular engineers, physical engineers and data scientists to define project goals, solve problems and come up with new ideas.
• Perform in vivo experiments to test the capabilities of molecular BCI technologies and their effects on the brain, and benchmark them against state-of-the-art methods.
• Optimize methods for delivery and expression.
• Collect and perform experiments with ex vivo brain tissues to validate expression, test performance and measure biological effects.
• Recruit and mentor research associate(s) as needed to expand efforts.

• Have a PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Bioengineering or a related field, or have equivalent experience leading research projects end-to-end.
• Have expertise in vivo neuroscience research in rodents using advanced methods such as electrophysiology, optogenetics and viral vectors.
• Love developing, implementing and troubleshooting novel techniques when others think they’re too hard.
• Have a soft spot for novel physical methods and computational approaches.
• Enjoy working with multidisciplinary teams, collaborating and communicating with experts across disciplines.
• Are energized by a fast-paced environment with a high sense of mission and urgency.

• Experience with molecular tool development through protein or gene circuit engineering.
• Experience with advanced ex vivo methods such as activity-based or spatial sequencing, tissue clearing or expansion microscopy.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every qualification, please apply. As we build, we’re hiring for complementary strengths to form a high-impact team.

Merge Labs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, family status, ancestry, citizenship, U.S. military (state and federal) and veteran status, or any other legally protected status. It is our intention that all applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job related factors.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made by emailing accommodations.

Compensation Range: $165K - $215K