Large Animal Neuroscience Lead
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.
What You'll Do Design and execute acute, non-GLP pig neuroscience studies, defining controls, endpoints, and success criteria that separate nanoparticle delivery, activation, and neural response
Work hands-on in the operating room on stereotactic targeting, experimental instrumentation, stimulation, and electrophysiological recordings alongside veterinary and surgical teams
Lead a 3–4-person group of scientists and research staff, setting priorities, coordinating study days, and providing practical training, mentorship, and performance feedback
Select and manage contract research organizations (CROs) and academic partners, owning study scopes, protocols, budgets, timelines, on-site execution, and data quality
Translate rodent methods into large-animal workflows; work with hardware engineers on prototype requirements, positioning, calibration, synchronization, and troubleshooting
Establish reliable neural readouts and analysis workflows, distinguishing true biological responses from stimulation artifacts and physiological confounds
Coordinate animal-use protocols, training, humane endpoints, and study documentation with institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs) and veterinary teams
Connect physiology with imaging, particle-localization measurements, and tissue analysis to assess target engagement and acute tissue effects
Deliver clear study reports and reproducible datasets that support technical decisions, development milestones, and investor diligence
What You'll Bring Must-have experience
A PhD in neuroscience, neuroengineering, biomedical engineering, or a related field; alternatively, an MD, DVM, or other suitable advanced degree with substantial relevant research experience
A track record of independently designing and executing in-vivo neuroscience studies, with substantial hands-on experience in pigs and other large animals
Practical experience with large-animal neurophysiology, stereotactic procedures, and neural recording or stimulation; confidence troubleshooting during live experiments
Strong experimental-design and quantitative-analysis skills, including appropriate controls, artifact identification, and interpretation of electrophysiological data
Experience managing CROs or comparable external research partners, including study planning, execution oversight, and evaluation of deliverables
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a small research team while remaining actively involved in experiments
Experience working with veterinary teams and institutional animal-care and use processes, with a strong commitment to animal welfare and data integrity
Ability to collaborate across neuroscience, nanoscience, and engineering and deliver well-documented results in a fast-paced, early-stage environment
U.S.-based, with the ability to work on-site at study facilities and travel to CRO and partner sites as needed
Clear written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate methods, results, and limitations to technical and nontechnical audiences
Nice to have
Intranasal or nose-to-brain delivery, nanoparticle biodistribution, or quantitative tissue-localization methods
Deep brain stimulation, movement-disorder neuroscience, or other neuromodulation technologies, including optical or magnetic approaches
MRI/CT-guided targeting, histology, or electrophysiology analysis in Python or MATLAB
Experience translating rodent methods or neurotechnology prototypes to large animals, or connecting non-GLP feasibility work to later regulated preclinical development
Why You’ll Thrive You'd be joining a small team developing a non-surgical, bidirectional brain-computer interface powered by plasmonic and magnetoelectric nanoparticles. You’ll help translate early research into working technology, with the opportunity to influence both the platform and how we build it. A few things that make this different: Own meaningful technical work: Take projects from early R&D through functional prototypes, with room to test ideas, solve complex problems, and shape design decisions. Build across disciplines: Work hands-on with ultrasound, electronics, and instrumentation alongside scientists and engineers in neuroscience, nanotechnology, and AI. Help shape a novel platform: Contribute to technology with the potential to restore neurological function and, over time, enable direct brain-to-AI communication. Make a visible impact: Join a team where your contributions directly influence technical progress, with equity that lets you share in the company’s growth. Our work takes place across labs in Palo Alto and Mountain View. We offer a competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), commuter benefits, and paid time off.
Subsense is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.