About Us

At 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 Article
• Twitter Overview
• Gizmodo Article
• Introduction to Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI) and Cortical Labs
• Human Neurons playing Doom on Cortical Cloud

Who We're Seeking

We’re looking for an early-career scientist or bioengineer who is comfortable working hands-on in the laboratory and motivated by the intersection of biology, engineering and computing.

You will bring a strong scientific foundation, a practical approach to experimentation and the ability to work across disciplines. You should be comfortable balancing routine laboratory work with exploratory research, troubleshooting and the continued development of novel bioengineering systems. This role may suit an Honours graduate or someone with equivalent experience through to an early-career Research Scientist

You Have:

• Experience working in a PC2 laboratory, or an equivalent regulated laboratory environment.
• A background in bioengineering, materials science, synthetic biology or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with electrophysiology, particularly multielectrode array systems.
• Experience with scientific method, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Exposure to gene-editing techniques, including CRISPR-Cas9.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.
• The ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams spanning biology, hardware and software

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on experience with in vitro cell culture, stem cell biology or neural differentiation.
• Experience running electrophysiological assays.
• Exposure to laboratory hardware or systems designed to support neural culture viability.
• Experience applying advanced statistical analysis to experimental data.
• Experience contributing to scientific publications, presentations or conferences.
• Previous experience in a start-up, small research team or fast-evolving scientific environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain cell cultures and support the differentiation of stem cells into neuronal cultures.
• Assist in developing, refining and documenting bioengineering processes and protocols.
• Support the development and testing of hardware that maintains the viability and performance of neural cultures.
• Run electrophysiological assays using Cortical Labs’ proprietary software, hardware and multielectrode array systems.
• Contribute to experiments, research programmes and commercial applications of Cortical Labs’ technology.
• Record, analyse and interpret experimental data.
• Prepare regular reports covering experimental results, progress and key findings.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers and software specialists to troubleshoot experimental systems and improve research outcomes

What Success Looks Like

Within the first few months, you will have developed a strong understanding of Cortical Labs’ cell culture workflows, bioengineering processes, experimental systems and laboratory standards. You will be able to maintain healthy cultures reliably, follow and refine established protocols, and contribute effectively to ongoing research and commercial development activities.

Over time, success will mean:

• Consistent and reliable maintenance of stem cell and neuronal cultures.
• Accurate and reproducible execution of electrophysiological assays and experiments.
• Confident use of Cortical Labs’ proprietary hardware and software to test neural cultures.
• Clear identification and troubleshooting of culture, protocol or experimental issues.
• High-quality experimental documentation, reporting and data interpretation.
• Productive collaboration across biology, hardware and software disciplines.
• Meaningful contributions to improved protocols, bioengineering processes and research outcomes.
• Growing independence in managing experiments and supporting Cortical Labs’ wider research and commercial goals.

Benefits

At 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 Inclusion

We 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.