Scientist, Non-Viral Gene Delivery for Brain Tech

Merge Labs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Merge Labs is a frontier research lab bridging biology and AI to advance brain-computer interfaces with safe, accessible technologies. The Delivery team develops non-viral delivery methods enabling neural biosensors and actuators in preclinical models, bridging molecular engineering to in vivo function.

You will collaborate with molecular engineers, neurobiologists, data scientists, and physics experts to drive preclinical translation and build a high-impact team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience leading research projects end-to-end in bioengineering, chemical engineering, neuroscience or related field.
• Hands-on experience with non-viral delivery vehicles including lipid nanoparticles or polymeric nanoparticles.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing, optimizing, or evaluating gene delivery modalities.

Responsibilities

• Identify best non-viral delivery technologies and secure access through collaborations or licensing.
• Lab work to formulate and characterize LNPs and other non-viral vehicles for CNS delivery.
• Define success criteria and develop assays/readouts for efficacy and tolerability.
• Design, run, and interpret in vivo studies in rodents and other models.
• Evaluate delivery approaches paired with ultrasound for BBB opening.
• Assess expression durability and repeat dosing feasibility and cost of goods.
• Collaborate on payload design and expression requirements.
• Operate independently and mentor research associates as needed.

Skills

Non-viral delivery

Lipid nanoparticles

Polymeric nanoparticles

In vivo studies

Team collaboration

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Microfluidics

Ligand conjugation

Job description

Merge Labs is a frontier research lab bridging biology and AI to advance brain-computer interfaces with safe, accessible technologies. The Delivery team develops non-viral delivery methods enabling neural biosensors and actuators in preclinical models, bridging molecular engineering to in vivo function.

You will collaborate with molecular engineers, neurobiologists, data scientists, and physics experts to drive preclinical translation and build a high-impact team in a fast-paced environment.