Nanoscientist

Subsense; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Subsense, a Palo Alto–based deep-tech company, seeks an early career Nanoscientist to bridge nanoscience and neurotechnology in a cutting-edge BCI project. You will design nanoparticle systems, collaborate across disciplines, and help scale technology from concept to production.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD in chemistry or materials science with 0–2 years postdoc/industry experience, and are fluent in English. This role offers a high-risk, high-reward environment at Subsense.

Qualifications

• Expertise in inorganic and organic nanoparticle synthesis, modification, and characterization.
• Experience with biological applications of nanoparticles is a plus.
• Publication history in chemistry or materials science.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Design nanoparticle technology and synthesis methods.
• Develop standardized characterization methods for the company.
• Scale up nanoparticle synthesis with collaborators.
• Integrate hardware, software, nanoscience, data, and regulatory to advance BCI technology.
• Operate and maintain internal Nanoscience labs.
• Publish findings and present at conferences.

Skills

Nanoparticle synthesis

Functionalization techniques

Characterization methods

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Publications history

Education

PhD in chemistry or materials science

0-2 years postdoc/industry

Job description

About Subsense

Subsense is a deep-tech company developing the world’s first non-surgical, bidirectional brain-computer interface powered by plasmonic and magnetoelectric nanoparticles. Our mission is to unlock direct communication between the human brain and AI - starting with medical applications such as stroke recovery and moving toward cognitive enhancement for healthy users. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Subsense brings together leading scientists and engineers to redefine the future of human–machine interaction.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking an early career Nanoscientist to join our cutting-edge BCI technology research. This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge nanoscience and neurotechnology, pushing the boundaries of brain-computer interfaces. The ideal candidate will be a scientific trailblazer, combining nanoparticle expertise with interdisciplinary collaboration skills. You’ll work with a dynamic team in a startup environment, helping drive innovation from concept to industrial-scale production. If you’re excited by high-risk, high-reward challenges and have a proven track record in nanoscience research, join us in revolutionizing human-technology interaction, one nanoparticle at a time.

Key Responsibilities

• Works with the Nanoscience Lead and with academic and industrial collaborators to design new nanoparticle technology and methods of synthesis, functionalization and formulation
• Developing standardized methods of characterization for the company and ensuring that design criteria are met.
• Working internally and with contractors and collaborators to scale up nanoparticle synthesis
• Working with a cross functional, interdisciplinary team to integrate hardware, software, nanoscience, data science, and regulatory to build new BCI technology.
• Help operate, and maintain our internal Nanoscience laboratories
• Promote scientific advances in the company through peer review publication and by speaking at conferences

What You’ll Bring

• Expertise in inorganic and organic nanoparticle synthesis, modification, and characterization
• Familiarity with biological applications of nanoparticles
• Collaboration experience with Academic Laboratories and CROs a plus
• Ability to work in a fast paced, early stage startup environment
• An excellent publication history in chemistry, nanoscience, and/or materials science
• A PhD in chemistry, materials science, or similar field with 0-2 years of industrial or academic postdoctoral experience
• A willingness to take on high risk, high reward challenges
• US-based.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

$110,000 - $130,000 a year

Subsense is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.