Research Associate - In Vivo Biosensor Development
About The Position
Merge Labs is a frontier research lab focused on bridging biological and artificial intelligence to enhance human capabilities. The Bio team designs, builds, and characterizes biotechnologies for next-generation brain-computer interfaces, combining molecular engineering, synthetic biology, neuroscience, and advanced physical methods. This role involves designing and executing in vivo imaging experiments to develop and optimize molecular biosensors for BCI technologies in rodents, using advanced ultrasound and molecular tools. The position requires developing protocols, generating reproducible data, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to drive breakthroughs in neural interfacing technology.
Requirements
- A BS, BA, or MS in Neuroscience, Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience executing in vivo brain imaging experiments in model organisms (e.g., mouse), including sensory or behavioral experiments with simultaneous imaging and/or stimulation.
- Strong attention to detail, comfort with rigorous protocols, and a high bar for documentation and data integrity.
- A collaborative, organized approach to experimental work and cross‑team communication.
- Prior experience in an academic or industry research lab doing in vivo systems neuroscience work.
- Strong interest and motivation to learn about in vivo ultrasound imaging.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with in vivo ultrasound imaging.
- Experience with behaving animals (e.g., head‑fixed behavior, habituation/training, or behavioral tracking during imaging).
- Experience with cranial window prep/maintenance, stereotaxic procedures, or other neurosurgical workflows relevant to imaging.
- Familiarity with imaging data QC/processing workflows and basic scripting or analysis tooling (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for sanity checks.
- Experience with ex vivo methods such as IHC, RT qPCR, or FISH.
- Broader knowledge and experience in system neuroscience.
Responsibilities
- Execute in vivo ultrasound imaging experiments, including handling of experimental animals, imaging setup, calibration/alignment, session execution, and experimental coordination.
- Perform data QC, organization, and handoff to analysis partners.
- Collaborate with scientists and engineers to improve and execute in vivo validation pipelines in rodents for molecular biosensors, including surgical workflows, ultrasound imaging setup, sensory/behavioral paradigms, and ex vivo characterization.
- Design and perform in vivo experiments to benchmark functional performance of biosensors in physiologically relevant neuroscience context.
- Maintain accurate lab records, inventories, and shared resources (imaging hardware, surgical supplies, consumables, protocols).
- Learn new techniques and contribute to method development as the in vivo imaging program grows.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
