Research Associate

About the Role

As a Research Associate at Merge Labs, you'll join a multidisciplinary team developing and optimizing molecular biosensors for BCI technologies. You'll design and execute a full stack of in vivo imaging experiments to develop our biosensors in rodents. You will use advanced ultrasound-based and molecular tools to optimize their delivery and functional expression, characterize their biological effects, and benchmark their performance in neuroscience paradigms. You will develop protocols and generate rigorous, and reproducible data that inform scientific decisions and technical strategy. You will work closely with molecular engineers, cell biologists, ultrasound experts, in vivo researchers, and physical engineers to solve problems and come up with new ideas. Your work will lead to breakthroughs in neural interfacing technology and enable its translation into clinical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute in vivo ultrasound imaging experiments, including:
• Handling of experimental animals
• Imaging setup, calibration/alignment, and session execution
• Experimental coordination (timing, scheduling, readiness checks, dependencies)
• 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.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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 have

• 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.

If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification, please apply. As we build, we're hiring for complementary strengths to form a high-impact team.

Compensation Range: $95K - $120K