In Vitro Neuroscientist

Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.

Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here.

The Astera Institute is seeking an exceptional experimental neuroscientist to develop and execute experiments using in vitro brain slice prep. This role will focus on functional characterization of complex neuronal networks using electrophysiology, imaging, and bioengineering approaches.

The ideal candidate is deeply experienced in neuronal cell culture and excited to work at the intersection of stem cell biology, neurotechnology, and quantitative neuroscience.

• Design and execute experiments using in vitro brain slice prep

• Characterize neuronal network activity and circuit dynamics

• Perform and optimize electrophysiological recordings, including patch clamp and multielectrode array (MEA) platforms

• Implement optical and imaging-based methods for monitoring neuronal function, including calcium and voltage imaging

• Contribute to experimental strategy, technology development, publications, and scientific direction in a fast-moving research environment

• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation and data standards

• PhD in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, or related discipline

• Strong track record of hands-on experimental neuroscience research

• Expertise in one or more of the following:

  • Optical techniques for probing neural circuits

  • Patch clamp electrophysiology

  • Multielectrode array systems

  • Functional imaging of neuronal activity

  • Human stem cell-derived neural cultures or organoids

  • Neural signal analysis and quantitative neuroscience

• Experience culturing and maintaining neuronal systems in vitro

• Proficiency in data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing tools

This position is onsite at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may be required from time-to-time for in-person collaboration and work.

The posted salary range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location.

• Benefits summary

• Surprising problem-solver – you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints.

• Flexible by default – you don't draw hard lines around your job description and expect your role to evolve significantly over 6–12 months.

• Bias to action – you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans, and you're energized by novel problems.

• High standards, internally driven – you believe you can build the world's best vehicle for unleashing extraordinary individuals to create public goods, and you hold yourself to that bar without benchmarking against others.

• Open to feedback – You create opportunities to give and receive honest feedback, staying focused on both personal and team growth, and committing to transparency even when it’s uncomfortable.

• Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship -- you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.

• Embrace the tools that define great work today – Astera is building for an AI-driven future and equips the team accordingly. We see these as genuine force multipliers, not optional extras, and we expect our people to use them