Research Associate - Neurobiology (In Vivo Imaging)
About The Position
Merge Labs is a frontier research lab working to bridge biological and artificial intelligence through brain-computer interfaces designed to interact with the brain at high bandwidth and be safe and accessible. Its Bio team develops and characterizes biotechnologies for next-generation brain-computer interfaces, combining molecular engineering, synthetic biology, neuroscience, and physical methods such as ultrasound. The team validates technologies in vitro and in vivo, demonstrates capabilities in animal models, and collaborates with engineers and data scientists. The Neurobiology Research Associate will join a multidisciplinary group advancing in vivo neuroscience research. The role focuses on developing and executing rodent in vivo imaging experiments using advanced light- and ultrasound-based tools, genetically encoded indicators, and effectors. The associate will develop protocols and generate documented, rigorous, and reproducible data to inform scientific decisions and technical strategy, working with technical staff across engineering, experimental execution, and data analysis.
Requirements
- BS, BA, or MS in Neuroscience, Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience executing in vivo brain imaging experiments in model organisms, such as mice, and producing reproducible imaging datasets.
- Strong attention to detail, comfort with rigorous protocols, and a high standard 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 neuroscience work.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with behaving animals, such as head-fixed behavior, habituation or training, or behavioral tracking during imaging.
- Experience with cranial window preparation or maintenance, stereotaxic procedures, or other neurosurgical workflows relevant to imaging.
- Familiarity with imaging data quality-control or processing workflows and basic scripting or analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB for sanity checks.
Responsibilities
- Execute in vivo imaging experiments, including handling trained experimental animals; imaging setup, calibration and alignment; session execution; experimental coordination; and data quality control, organization, and handoff to analysis partners.
- Collaborate with scientists and engineers to refine protocols, controls, and success criteria for imaging sessions.
- Maintain accurate lab records, inventories, and shared resources, including imaging hardware, surgical supplies, consumables, and protocols.
- Troubleshoot common in vivo imaging issues involving motion, stability, signal quality, expression variability, and alignment.
- 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
