All-Optical Neuroscience Scientist: Working Memory

Astera Institute; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Astera Neuro, part of Astera Institute, seeks a PhD-level scientist to read, write, and perturb working memory in mouse cortex at single-cell resolution. You will design behavioral tasks, perform surgeries, and run holographic optogenetics on the all-optical platform.

The role emphasizes end-to-end experimental work, data analysis, and collaboration within a well-resourced, open-science environment.

Qualifications

• PhD required in neuroscience or related field with strong experimental skills.
• Hands-on mouse survival surgery experience with cranial windows and headbars.
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for neural-data analysis; experience with Suite2p/CaImAn.

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate rodent working-memory tasks in head-fixed mice.
• Perform two-photon holographic photostimulation and record population activity.
• Lead computational analysis of neural population data and coordinate with engineering teams.
• Mentor technicians and contribute to lab culture and hiring.
• Contribute to publications, talks, and open science tooling.

Skills

Experimental neuroscience

Experimental design

Data analysis

Education

PhD in neuroscience

Equivalent research experience

Tools

Two-photon imaging

CaImAn

Suite2p

Holographic photostimulation

Stereotaxic injections

Job description

Astera Neuro, part of Astera Institute, seeks a PhD-level scientist to read, write, and perturb working memory in mouse cortex at single-cell resolution. You will design behavioral tasks, perform surgeries, and run holographic optogenetics on the all-optical platform.

The role emphasizes end-to-end experimental work, data analysis, and collaboration within a well-resourced, open-science environment.