Lab Technician

Location: Bay Area, USA
On-site: Palo Alto
Position Type: Full-Time

Help us translate breakthrough neuro-nanotechnology into life-changing products.

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

The Laboratory Technician plays a foundational role in advancing our neurotechnology platform. You will support in vitro and in vivo research by executing laboratory procedures, maintaining critical equipment, preparing experimental materials, and ensuring smooth day-to-day function of a fast-paced R&D environment. This role is ideal for someone excited to work at the intersection of nanomaterials, neuroscience, and bioengineering and eager to contribute to early scientific breakthroughs.

What You’ll Do (first 12 months) Responsibilities

• Support neuroscience, cell biology, and materials experiments, including sample preparation, nanoparticle handling, histology tasks, and general wet-lab procedures.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, nanoparticle suspensions, and biological materials following SOPs with precision and consistency.
• Perform routine cell culture maintenance (plating, passaging, viability checks) and assist in the execution of in vitro assays.
• Assist in in vivo studies by preparing materials, maintaining records, and supporting senior scientists in experiment execution.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, biosafety cabinets, and analytical instruments.
• Maintain lab organization — inventory, ordering, waste management, safety documentation, and compliance records.
• Conduct measurements, imaging, and basic data collection for R&D experiments; input data into digital lab notebooks.
• Help develop and refine laboratory workflows, SOPs, and quality documentation as the company scales.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with neuroscientists, engineers, and materials scientists to ensure seamless experimental operations.

What You Bring

Must-have experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline.
• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, biotech, or research setting.
• Experience with standard wet-lab techniques (pipetting, dilutions, microscopy, solution prep, sterile technique).
• Basic experience with cell culture or willingness and aptitude to learn quickly.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, chemical handling, and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to follow protocols precisely.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced research environment with shifting priorities.
• Proactive, dependable, and curious — eager to learn and support multiple research teams.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Critical competencies
Laboratory precision and sterile technique · Detail orientation and documentation quality · Experimental support and reliability · Bias for action and problem-solving · Cross-functional collaboration · Safety and compliance awareness · Equipment maintenance discipline · Time and task management · Adaptability in dynamic, high-science environments · Ownership mindset · Curiosity and continuous improvement · Strong communication and follow-through

Why Subsense

• Mission with massive impact – Help invent and deliver a first-in-class neurotechnology platform
• Ownership – Shape strategy, team, and culture from an early stage
• World-class advisors & investors – Work with leading neuroscientists, clinicians, and deep-tech VCs
• Speed & autonomy – Small, senior team shipping on short development cycles
• Competitive package – Market-aligned salary, meaningful equity and generous benefits

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