Research Associate - Neuron Models

Merge Labs is a frontier research lab with the mission of bridging biological and artificial intelligence to maximize human ability, agency and experience. We’re pursuing this goal by developing fundamentally new approaches to brain-computer interfaces that interact with the brain at high bandwidth, integrate with advanced AI, and are ultimately safe and accessible for anyone to use.

About The Team Our team develops models and screening methods to characterize and optimize Merge’s next-generation neurotechnology platform. We generate neural cells including neurons and glia from human iPSCs and rodent tissue and develop custom assays to evaluate genetic constructs and vectors. We design and engineer iPSC lines, upscale cell production and assays, and develop high-throughput data analysis methods to serve large-scale screening needs.

To reliably assess the performance of candidate constructs and vectors, our team emphasizes robust and scalable design and execution of model development and screens. We collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to answer scientific questions using reproducible in vitro data. We are deeply committed to cross-model validations, operational reliability, and scientific excellence.

About The Role We are seeking a Research Associate with strong expertise in complex in vitro models. This is a highly hands-on position at the core of our experimental work, requiring independence, precision, and the ability to deliver consistent and reproducible high-quality execution across multiple studies. As we continuously develop new models and assays according to the evolving scientific questions, a successful candidate must be a strong learner who can rapidly acquire new technical skills and scientific methodologies.

In this role, you will be essential in building our in vitro team from the ground up. You will partner closely with the group lead to generate iPSC-derived neurons and rodent primary cultures at scale, and help build robust in vitro high-throughput screen pipelines. Your contributions will be essential to driving execution, enabling rapid iteration, and supporting the advancement of next-generation neurotechnology.

In this role, you will:

• Expand, bank, and QC human iPSC lines.
• Produce human iPSC-derived neuron banks on a large scale and perform quality control assays for each batch.
• Isolate and culture rodent neurons from provided brain tissues.
• Generate, maintain, and perform experiments on long-term neuronal cell cultures at scale.
• Recognize, document, and communicate deviations from expected production or QC outcomes.
• Help design and engineer workhorse iPSC lines.
• Facilitate the method development (optimization, troubleshooting, and upscaling) of neuronal models and high-throughput neuronal biochemical, imaging, and activity assays.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and audit-ready study documentation.

You might thrive in this role if you have:

• BS, BA, or MS in a biology field.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in advanced cell models such as iPSCs and CNS primary culture. Excellent aseptic techniques.
• Familiarity with routine biochemical assays such as gDNA and RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA.
• Schedule flexibility to perform intermittent weekend lab work to ensure proper iPSC maintenance.
• Experience following SOPs for consistent and reliable execution.
• Meticulous observational skills to recognize cell behavior deviations and data anomalies, and communicate issues early.
• Scientific curiosity. Ability to actively troubleshoot experiments by searching literature, forming hypotheses, designing, and executing tech-dev experiments.
• An organized approach to managing multiple cell lines, assays, requests, and timelines.
• Strong documentation habits and experience maintaining accurate sample, lot, and process records in an ELN, LIMS, or another structured sample-tracking system.

Nice to have:

• Scientific understanding of neural pathologies such as neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity.
• Experience performing large-scale screens with cell-based assays using automation instruments such as liquid handlers, plate washers and high-throughput imagers.
• Experience with large dataset analysis.
• Experience optimizing complex in vitro CNS models using iPSCs.

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.

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.

For more information about hiring at Merge, please visit our Hiring FAQ Merge Labs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, family status, ancestry, citizenship, U.S. military (state and federal) and veteran status, or any other legally protected status. It is our intention that all applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job related factors. We are an equal opportunity employer. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made by emailing [email protected]. Compensation Range: $95K - $120K