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

The role

A PhD-level scientist or engineer will develop and optimize an optical implant for high resolution two photon imaging and optogenetics in the primate brain. The role involves designing GRIN lens assemblies, performing surgical implantations, and running holographic photostimulation experiments.

What you will do

• Design and iterate GRIN lens and/or microprism assembly for deep brain imaging in the primate brain
• Develop and help execute the surgical implantation procedure
• Run two-photon imaging and holographic photostimulation experiments
• Run holographic targeting, power calibration, and closed-loop stimulation on the all-optical rig
• Lead computational analysis of large-scale neural population data
• Set the viral and transgenic expression strategy
• Perform rodent survival surgery for initial validation
• Mentor research associates and technicians
• Contribute to publications, talks, open data and tooling releases

Required 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

Nice to have

• ZEMAX modeling
• Experience with ultrafast pulsed lasers (Ti:Sapphire, fiber) and nonlinear optics
• Two-photon optogenetics (SLM-based holography, temporal focusing, or spiral-scanning photostimulation)
• Soma-targeted opsins such as ChRmine
• Prior systems neuroscience research in cortex, working memory, decision-making, or motor/premotor circuits

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Total compensation that is competitive and commensurate with the level of experience and qualifications

About the company

Astera is a private foundation with a $3.5B endowment that supports science and technology through grants, investments, and in-house research programs. Astera Neuro is an initiative that seeks to understand and engineer consciousness by combining neural recording, causal perturbation, and brain-based AI.