Scientist - In Vivo Molecular Neurotechnology
San Francisco Bay Area$120k - $215kFull-timePosted 8mo ago
About the role
Scientist role focused on developing molecular biosensors and actuators for brain–computer interface technologies, specializing in in vivo rodent experiments, delivery optimization, and collaboration across molecular, hardware, and data science teams.
Responsibilities
- Own and scale in vivo validation pipelines in rodents for molecular biosensors/actuators, including gene delivery, surgical workflows, sensory/behavioral paradigms, and ex vivo characterization.
- Optimize delivery vehicles, administration methods and parameters for robust, cell-type specific expression, and quantify the outcomes at the functional and molecular scale.
- Design and perform in vivo experiments to benchmark functional performance of biosensors/actuators in physiologically relevant neuroscience context.
- Collaborate with hardware engineers and platform teams to develop and build custom setup incorporating novel imaging and modulation instruments.
- Assess tolerability and biological effects through functional and molecular assays, and identify practical levers that improve long-term tolerability while maintaining function.
- Work closely with molecular engineers, physical engineers and data scientists to define project goals, solve problems and come up with new ideas.
- Recruit and mentor research associate(s) as needed to expand efforts.
Qualifications
- PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Bioengineering or a related field, or equivalent experience leading research projects end-to-end.
- Expertise in benchmarking and optimizing molecular tools in vivo, including viral delivery methods, advanced surgical procedures, histology, tissue clearing or expansion microscopy.
- Experience in in vivo neuroscience research in rodents using sensory or behavioral experiments with simultaneous imaging and/or stimulation.
- Enjoy developing, implementing and troubleshooting novel techniques when they’re very new and there are many things to figure out.
- Enjoy working with multidisciplinary teams, collaborating and communicating with experts across disciplines.
- Energized by a fast-paced environment with a high sense of mission and urgency.
Skills
Required:Neuroscience research (in vivo)Molecular tools for in vivo useSurgical techniquesExperimental design and benchmarkingCollaboration across disciplines
Last updated Aug 19, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About Merge Labs
Introducing Merge Labs
Meet Merge Labs – a research lab with the long-term mission of bridging biological and artificial intelligence to maximize human ability, agency, and experience.
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