Operations Lead: AI-Driven Research Ops

astera; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Astera Neuro is seeking an organized Operations Coordinator to support the COO in keeping research operations on schedule and running smoothly. You’ll track projects, coordinate across science, engineering, and operations, and ensure critical work doesn’t fall through the cracks.

This entry-level role is ideal for someone who loves building systems, learning new software quickly, and leveraging AI tools to improve workflows in a fast-paced Bay Area research environment.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in a project coordination, operations, executive support, or program management role (internships count).
• Exceptional organizational skills and an ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines without losing track of details.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable interfacing with leadership and technical teams alike.
• A proactive, ownership-driven mindset — you notice what needs to get done and follow through without being asked twice.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, early-stage environment where priorities can shift quickly.
• Proficiency with common productivity and collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Slack, project trackers like Asana/Notion).
• Fluency with new software and an instinct to reach for AI tools and automation to work faster and better.
• Discretion and sound judgment with confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Partner directly with the COO to manage day-to-day operational priorities, project timelines, and follow-ups across the organization.
• Track cross-functional projects from kickoff to completion, keeping timelines, owners, and action items organized and visible.
• Use AI tools and automation to streamline workflows, draft first-pass materials, and build lightweight internal tools.
• Coordinate and prepare materials for leadership meetings, all-hands, and cross-team syncs, including agendas, notes, and follow-up tracking.
• Support vendor, facilities, and logistics coordination to keep the lab and office running smoothly.
• Help plan and execute internal events, onboarding logistics, and team offsites.
• Support recruiting coordination, including interview scheduling, candidate communications, and offer logistics, as the team grows.
• Maintain operational documentation, trackers, and dashboards so the team always has an accurate view of what's in flight.
• Identify process gaps and help build lightweight systems that make the organization more efficient as it scales.
• Take on ad hoc projects and special initiatives as priorities shift, no two weeks will look exactly the same.

Skills

Project coordination

Operations

Executive support

Program management

Organizational skills

Communication

Proactive mindset

Productivity tools

AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience

Tools

Google Workspace

Slack

Asana

Notion

Airtable

Zapier

Job description

Astera Neuro is seeking an organized Operations Coordinator to support the COO in keeping research operations on schedule and running smoothly. You’ll track projects, coordinate across science, engineering, and operations, and ensure critical work doesn’t fall through the cracks.

This entry-level role is ideal for someone who loves building systems, learning new software quickly, and leveraging AI tools to improve workflows in a fast-paced Bay Area research environment.