Research Scientist, Optical Physiology and Neurotechnology

About the role

This is an engineering-oriented science role focused on recording, controlling, analyzing, and visualizing neural activity at cellular and subcellular resolution. The position involves careful consideration of which parameters matter and why, meticulous execution, and sharp observation of results to optimize recording quality and throughput.

You will report to the Head of Optical Physiology and collaborate as needed with other Mindspan teams (Scalable Chemistry, Microscopy and Optics, Automation and Industrialization, and Computation and Analysis), using logic and evidence to advance your work and boost overall performance. This role is ideal for someone who wants to redefine what is possible in cellular activity imaging while also performing experiments using existing tools.

The multidisciplinary nature of the job suits a person who enjoys problem-solving across intellectual boundaries, from conceptual thinking to hands-on debugging. Systematic documentation, analysis, and iterative problem-solving are required to develop, apply, and share working protocols.

Mindspan operates with a sense of urgency to address brain disorders affecting over 1 billion people worldwide, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke. We prioritize impact over short-term productivity, embrace creativity and failure as stepping stones, and foster a hyper-collaborative environment with "strong opinions, weakly held." Collaboration is essential, and we expect team members to explore the unknown, make mistakes, own them, and learn from them to improve.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize cellular activity imaging experiments.
• Lead efforts to produce high-quality voltage imaging and synaptic recording data from iPSC-derived neurons and human and mouse brain slices.
• Characterize optogenetics and voltage sensor performance, and evaluate gene expression systems.
• Analyze physiology data in collaboration with the Computation and Analysis team.
• Maintain protocol records that others can execute, including the reasoning behind each parameter.
• Build, modify, troubleshoot, and improve complex experimental systems with strong experimental judgment and scientific rigor.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in bioengineering, neuroscience, biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in neuronal activity recordings (e.g., electrophysiology, calcium imaging, voltage imaging).
• Direct hands-on experience with neural tissue handling, cell culture, histology, and fluorescent microscopy.
• Experience interpreting neuronal dynamics from imaging data.
• Strong data analysis skills (Python, C++, MATLAB, ImageJ, or similar).
• Ability to work independently, lead and manage projects, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to high-quality standards and a service-oriented mindset.
• Good judgment in balancing flexibility and focus, action and planning, speed and thoughtfulness.
• Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback for scientific and personal growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct hands-on experience with voltage imaging and optogenetics.
• Experience with human iPSC differentiation and mouse brain slice recording.
• Background in synaptic physiology.
• Experience with patch clamp recordings.
• Familiarity with viral and nonviral gene expression systems.

The ideal candidate is a scientist-engineer who naturally crosses disciplinary boundaries: intellectually curious, relentlessly practical, and happiest solving problems that have never been solved before.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and family benefits.
• Matching retirement contribution.

Pay

Competitive salary ranging from $120,000 to $159,000, depending on experience.

Schedule

This is an in-person job. Flexible hours may be required at times.

Why join Mindspan

• Build one of the core scientific pipelines of a new research institute alongside some of the most adventurous scientists in the field, with real autonomy and a direct line to the people setting the scientific agenda.
• Contribute to addressing one of the most important unmet medical needs of our time as part of the initial team.
• Learn unique skills and solve problems that likely cannot be learned or addressed any other way.
• Opportunity for growth as Mindspan expands, with increasing responsibility over time.