Research Specialist, Experimental Neuroscience
Astera Institute is an active nonprofit research institute and foundation that operates in-house neuroscience-informed AI research and funds, operates, and supports open-science programs and public goods.
About Astera Institute
Astera operates three divisions: Neuro-AI, Radial life-sciences research, and its Foundation. Its AI work pursues neuroscience-informed approaches to artificial general intelligence, while its foundation and Radial activities support open scientific infrastructure, datasets, research programs, and residencies.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will support the day-to-day experimental work of the neuroscience team by preparing and running experiments, training animals, and maintaining experimental setups. You will work alongside scientists, engineers and technicians in a hands-on experimental role that does not carry an independent research program.
Requirements
- BS or BA with 0 to 6+ years of experience in biology, neuroscience, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience
- Hands-on experience working with animals in a research setting
- Ability to carry out established experimental procedures independently
- Methodical troubleshooting of practical problems
- Organized, with clear record keeping and good communication with scientists, engineers, and animal care staff
Responsibilities
- Train animals on cognitive and perceptual tasks, maintain consistent training routines, and track their progress
- Prepare and run neural recording and behavioral experiments with scientists
- Monitor signal quality and animal behavior, and keep clear records of each session
- Assist with animal preparation and surgical procedures
- Assemble, maintain, refine, and troubleshoot experimental rigs
- Repair equipment, test new tools, and adapt setups for new experiments
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
