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Research Scientist/Engineer, Deep Brain Two Photon Imaging and Optogenetics

Astera Institute· Neuro
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Alameda$135k - $220kFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

PhD-level scientist/engineer role focused on reading, writing, and perturbing cognition in primate brain at single-cell resolution using deep brain two-photon imaging and optogenetics. End-to-end responsibilities include optical implant design, surgical implantation, all-optical experiments, data analysis, and mentorship within Astera Neuro.

Responsibilities

  • Design and iterate GRIN lens and/or microprism assemblies for deep brain imaging in the primate brain, with early optimization in rodents.
  • Develop and help execute the surgical implantation procedure
  • Run two-photon imaging and holographic photostimulation experiments: read population activity during the task, then write in and perturb the held representation at single-cell resolution.
  • Run holographic targeting, power calibration, and closed-loop stimulation on the all-optical rig, working with our optics engineering team.
  • Lead computational analysis of large-scale neural population data, including dimensionality reduction, population decoding, GLMs, and circuit-level inference.
  • Set the viral and transgenic expression strategy, including soma-targeted opsin and GCaMP.
  • Perform rodent survival surgery for the initial validation: stereotaxic viral injection, chronic cranial-window implantation, and headbar installation.
  • Mentor research associates and technicians – and, at the senior or principal level, more junior scientists; contribute to hiring, onboarding, and lab culture.
  • Contribute to publications, talks, open data and tooling releases, and engagement with the broader scientific community.

Qualifications

  • PhD with 0-4 years of experience in neuroscience, bioengineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent research experience.
  • Hands-on rodent and/or primate survival surgery experience; stereotaxic injections.
  • Hands-on experience with in vivo two-photon calcium imaging and/or holographic (SLM-based) optogenetics in rodents or primates.
  • Practical experience with two-photon systems: optical alignment, system characterization, and in vivo use.
  • Proficiency in scientific computing for neural-data analysis; Python and/or MATLAB, with Suite2p, CaImAn, or comparable pipelines.

Skills

Required:Two-photon calcium imagingHolographic optogeneticsStereotaxic surgeryPython/MATLAB for neural data analysis

Benefits

  • Astera Neuro provides a comprehensive benefits package and total compensation that is competitive and commensurate with the level of experience and qualifications.
Last updated Sep 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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