Staff/Senior Staff/Principal Scientist (Biology)

About UsAt Cortical Labs, we have integrated machine learning, engineering, and neuroscience to develop Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI). Our work focuses on using biological neurons as a functional component of computing systems to create technology that is adaptive and resource-efficient.
To achieve this, we operate within a multidisciplinary framework. Our team develops the software for real-time closed-loop systems and the hardware necessary to support the neural cultures. We are focused on the practical application of biological intelligence in digital environments, robotics, and scientific research.
We are driven by curiosity regarding how a system born from the physical world interacts with digital platforms. We seek resourceful individuals who value intellectual honesty and the challenge of discovery to help us explore the implications of this technology. If you are interested in the intersection of biology and computing, we invite you to join our team.
To date, we have successfully developed and launched our CL1 product that demonstrates real-time learning in neural systems and have just launched our cloud service for global access to these systems. For a deeper dive into our research, check out our recent paper at Neuron, a video explainer from Reuters and explore our work on GitHub.
For more insights into what we do, explore the following links:Forbes ArticleTwitter OverviewGizmodo ArticleIntroduction to Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI) and Cortical LabsHuman Neurons playing Doom on Cortical Cloud
Who We're SeekingWe are considering candidates from Staff Scientist through to Principal Scientist level. The final title, scope and level of responsibility will be determined through the interview process based on your experience, scientific leadership and ability to take ownership of Cortical Labs’ research direction.
You are an accomplished scientist with deep expertise in stem cell biology, in vitro cell culture and neural differentiation. You can move comfortably between hands-on scientific work, operational oversight and longer-term planning.You understand that producing high-quality neural cells consistently requires more than strong laboratory technique. It requires clear standards, disciplined processes, careful capacity planning and the ability to identify and resolve recurring sources of variability.You are comfortable working in an exploratory scientific environment while creating enough structure to maintain quality, reliability and delivery. You can challenge assumptions constructively, manage competing priorities and collaborate effectively with specialists across biology, hardware and software.
You Have:A PhD or equivalent research experience in stem cell biology, synthetic biology, cell biology, neuroscience, biotechnology or a closely related fieldDeep hands-on experience with in vitro cell culture and stem cell biologyStrong experience developing, maintaining and expanding induced pluripotent stem cell linesDemonstrated experience with neural differentiation and the production of neural cell typesExperience assessing cell culture quality, health, maturity and consistencyExperience identifying and resolving common failure points within cell culture and differentiation workflowsExperience with gene-editing techniques, including CRISPR-Cas9Strong knowledge of experimental design, scientific methodology and hypothesis-driven researchThe ability to interpret complex biological datasets and apply appropriate statistical analysisExperience developing, standardising and owning scientific processesStrong operational oversight, project planning and governance capabilityThe ability to balance exploratory scientific work with production requirements, deadlines and quality standardsExperience working effectively across multidisciplinary teams spanning biology, hardware and softwareStrong scientific leadership capability, including setting expectations, maintaining standards and keeping teams alignedStrong communication skillsCreative problem-solving skills and structured scientific curiosity
Preferred ExperienceThe strongest candidates may also bring experience in one or more of the following areas:ElectrophysiologyMultielectrode array systemsAdvanced statistical analysis of biological datasetsAutomation of cell culture or biological production workflowsCell production planning and capacity managementQuality control systems within biological or laboratory environmentsPreparing peer-reviewed scientific papers and publicationsGrant writing and research funding applicationsDeveloping patentable ideas or intellectual propertyPharmaceuticals, biotechnology or commercial scientific researchStartup or small-team environmentsManaging and developing scientists or laboratory staffShaping scientific team cultureBuilding or scaling scientific teams
Key ResponsibilitiesTake ownership of cell culture quality and maintain consistent scientific standards across the laboratoryLead cell production activities to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality neural cellsOversee iPSC maintenance, expansion, health and long-term stabilityLead and improve neural differentiation workflowsCoordinate cell culture plating and production plans against research and experimental prioritiesMonitor production capacity and ensure ongoing biological requirements are metIdentify and resolve risks, bottlenecks, quality issues and recurring sources of variabilityDevelop reliable, repeatable and scalable processes across cell maintenance, expansion, differentiation and platingEstablish clear documentation, quality controls and ownership across biological workflowsAlign cell production with current and future research programmesWork closely with hardware, software and research teams to ensure biological delivery supports wider programme requirementsContribute practical biological insight to Cortical Labs’ broader scientific directionDesign and support rigorous experiments from hypothesis through to measurable outcomesInterpret complex biological datasets and use findings to improve processes and research outcomesSupport scientific paper writing, publication activity and technical communicationsContribute to grant applications and funding submissionsRepresent Cortical Labs through conferences, research partnerships and broader scientific engagementContribute to the development of patentable ideas and intellectual propertyIdentify opportunities to automate cell culture and production workflowsSupport the continued development of Cortical Labs’ biological and scientific capability
Depending on seniority and capability, the position may also involve:Managing and mentoring scientists and laboratory team membersBuilding and developing a team beneath the roleSetting the longer-term direction of the biology functionTaking broader ownership of cell production strategy, capacity and qualityLeading significant multidisciplinary research programmesContributing to company-wide scientific strategy and prioritisation
What Success Looks LikeWithin the first 90 days, you will have developed a strong understanding of Cortical Labs’ existing cell production workflows, neural differentiation processes, research priorities and technical requirements. You will have built effective relationships across the biology, hardware, software and research teams, and taken ownership of company-wide cell production planning. You will understand current and forecast demand for neural cells and have established clear priorities around quality, capacity and reliability. You will also have identified immediate risks, bottlenecks and recurring quality issues within existing workflows. From this assessment, you will have begun implementing practical improvements that strengthen consistency and ensure ongoing biological requirements are met.
Within the first year, Cortical Labs will have a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality neural cells produced through well-controlled synthetic biology processes. Cell production capacity will be aligned with the company’s growing research and development pipeline, with clear planning across cell maintenance, expansion, differentiation and plating. Core workflows will be standardised, documented and supported by clear ownership and quality controls. Success will be reflected in improved predictability, consistency and operational resilience across the biology function. The wider multidisciplinary team will receive biological materials on time and with the quality required to support experimental, platform and commercial priorities. Depending on the seniority of the appointment, success may also include developing a high-performing team, implementing greater automation, contributing to scientific publications and grants, and shaping the longer-term direction of Cortical Labs’ biological capability.
BenefitsAt Cortical Labs, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. Here's what you can expect:Opportunity to define and scale a core platform at the frontier of neuroscience and computing.Collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven culture.Competitive compensation and benefits.Flexible work arrangements and supportive team environment.Office located in the heart of Melbourne’s innovation district.
Diversity and InclusionWe believe in building a diverse and inclusive team and we encourage applications from women, non-binary individuals, and underrepresented groups in tech. We value a wide range of experiences and career paths, and we know that not everyone will meet every criterion listed. If this role aligns with your experience and interests, we encourage you to apply.
At Cortical Labs, we believe the next revolution in computing won’t come from silicon alone. If you’re excited about the idea of running lab operations for a dynamic team (or similar) working with real living neurons, advanced computing infrastructure, and a world-class team - we encourage you to apply.