Research Scientist — All-Optical Rodent Cognition

Job overview

The Research Scientist role is onsite in Alameda, CA, with compensation of $80,000–$150,000 per year. The position is part of Astera Neuro’s rodent neuroscience team. Astera Neuro aims to understand and engineer consciousness through neuroscience and technology research. The scientist designs and conducts end-to-end experiments to investigate how the brain builds and uses an internal model of the world. The work combines behavioral task design, mouse surgery, two-photon imaging, holographic photostimulation, and neural-data analysis to study and causally manipulate neural activity.

What you'll do

• Help define cognitive processes and experimental questions in mice
• design and iterate head-fixed behavioral paradigms
• run two-photon imaging and holographic photostimulation experiments
• conduct holographic targeting, power calibration, and closed-loop stimulation
• analyze neural population data
• set viral and transgenic expression strategies
• perform mouse survival surgery
• mentor research staff
• contribute to publications, talks, open data, and tools.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

research scientist

neuroscience

alameda ca

astera institute

astera neuro

$80k–$150k/year

rodent cognition

two-photon imaging

holographic photostimulation

neural data analysis

mouse surgery

open science

python

matlab

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Comprehensive benefits package
• total compensation described as competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Why this role

End-to-end experimental neuroscience role using two-photon imaging and holographic photostimulation; required hands-on mouse survival surgery and in-vivo imaging or optogenetics experience; open-science program.

About the employer

Astera Institute is hiring for this role. Industry: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). Sector: 54.