Neurobiology Research Associate

About the role

We're developing computing chips that use living neurons as their computational units—Biological Processing Units (BPUs). As a Neurobiology Research Associate, you'll culture neurons from iPSCs, optimize protocols, and supply the team with high-quality cultures. This exploratory R&D work involves managing multiple cell lines, maintaining biological networks on MEAs, and ensuring reliability through rigorous quality control. You’ll need to embrace ambiguity, thrive in a startup environment, and be deeply motivated by the *why* behind this research, not just the execution.

Responsibilities

• Differentiate neurons from iPSCs using multiple protocols.
• Manage and monitor several cell lines and experiments simultaneously with meticulous documentation.
• Maintain biological networks on microelectrode arrays (MEAs).
• Perform quality control to ensure reliable, high-quality cultures.
• Contribute to exploratory research in biological computing, including training and testing neuronal networks.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience differentiating neurons from iPSCs across multiple protocols.
• Ability to run multiple cell lines and experiments concurrently with careful monitoring and documentation.
• Background in neurobiology or neuroscience, including neurogenesis and neuronal development.
• A scientific mindset with the ability to articulate the reasoning behind your work.
• Genuine interest in biological computing or Organoid Intelligence.
• Comfort with ambiguity and willingness to work the hours a startup demands.

Nice to have

• Experience developing new differentiation protocols.
• iPSC reprogramming or cell engineering.
• Work with organoid or assembloid models, co-cultures (e.g., glia or neuronal subtypes), or vascularized models.
• Publications in neurobiology, iPSC research, or related fields.

Why this work matters

You’ll be part of a small team tackling a question no one has answered yet: can biological neurons in vitro compute? This isn’t just theoretical—you’ll witness neurons learning tasks or playing games, and even compete against them (though they’ll likely win). It’s cutting-edge, counterintuitive, and deeply rewarding.

Pay

Compensation ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 per year, plus health insurance.