← All roles

Research Scientist, All-Optical Investigation of Rodent Cognition

Astera Institute· Neuro
Apply on company site
Alameda$80k - $150kFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Experimental neuroscientist role focused on all-optical methods to investigate how the brain builds and uses an internal model of the world in mice, using two-photon imaging and holographic photostimulation to read, write, and perturb neural activity at single-cell resolution.

Responsibilities

  • Help define the cognitive processes and experimental questions we pursue in mice, and design and iterate head-fixed behavioral paradigms to probe them.
  • Run two-photon imaging and holographic photostimulation experiments to read, write, and perturb specific neural activity patterns at single-cell resolution during behavior.
  • 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 ChRmine and GCaMP.
  • Perform mouse survival surgery: 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 in neuroscience, bioengineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent research experience.
  • Hands-on mouse survival surgery experience: chronic cranial windows, headbars, and stereotaxic injections.
  • Hands-on experience with in vivo two-photon calcium imaging and/or holographic (SLM-based) optogenetics in rodents.
  • 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:PhD or equivalent research experienceIn vivo two-photon calcium imagingHolographic optogenetics (SLM-based)
Nice to have:Soma-targeted opsins (e.g., ChRmine)

Benefits

  • Astera 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.

About Astera Institute

The future, faster.

We empower visionary, high-leverage science and technology projects with the capacity to create transformative progress for human civilization.

ScienceTechnologyResearchAIOpen ScienceInnovation
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Astera Institute