Senior Clinical Scientist

Opto Biosystems
Opto Biosystems

San Francisco, CA, USA · Cambridge, UK

Posted on Aug 29, 2026
Job Title: Senior Clinical Scientist
Location: San Francisco, CA / Cambridge, UK / Melbourne, Australia
Type: Full-Time (on-site)
Coherence Neuro is a fast-growing, venture-backed company pioneering implantable technologies that interface with the human body to address critical unmet medical needs. We're looking for driven individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of engineering and science to solve some of the most complex biological challenges. In this early-stage environment, we seek versatile team members with a hands-on approach and a willingness to learn quickly and adapt. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join us in our mission. Learn about our team here!
We are building a robust clinical portfolio and looking for an experienced Clinical Scientist to provide scientific and clinical leadership for our First In Human/Early Feasibility Trials. This highly collaborative role sits at the centre of study design, execution, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
The successful candidate will work closely with our Translational Science, Data Science, Regulatory and Quality teams, to ensure our ongoing and future trials are operationally sound, scientifically rigorous, delivered to the highest standards of quality and patient safety and communicated with impact.
You will engage with current and prospective clinical PIs and CROs to develop protocols and operations that provide evidence for safety, efficacy and usability of our devices across multiple regulatory geographies.
We are looking for someone who can maintain a focus on patient safety and study integrity in a fast-paced start-up environment.

Key Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day scientific leadership for our ongoing intraoperative FIH study.
Lead study strategy, protocol development, amendments, and supporting clinical documents for current and future studies.
Translate scientific objectives into clear endpoints, eligibility criteria, assessments, and data-collection requirements.
Lead ongoing reviews of clinical, safety, laboratory, and operational data to identify trends, risks, and data-quality issues.
Support investigator and site engagement, including investigator meetings, scientific training, and responses to clinical questions.
Partner with our Clinical Operations CRO to assess recruitment, protocol compliance, study risks, and mitigation plans.
Collaborate with our Data Science Team on analysis plans, data reviews, outputs, and interpretation of study results.
Contribute to investigator brochures, informed-consent materials, regulatory submissions, abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and clinical study reports.
Provide scientific input into vendor selection and oversight where appropriate.
Maintain current knowledge of the relevant disease area, competitive landscape, and evolving standards of care.
Ensure work is performed in accordance with the protocol, ICH-GCP, applicable regulations, and Coherence Neuro procedures.
Mentor colleagues and strengthen clinical-science practices across the organisation.

Required Qualifications and Skills

An advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, or a related discipline; a PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent is preferred.
Significant clinical-development experience within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, a CRO, or an academic research environment.
Hands-on experience supporting interventional clinical trials from protocol development through study conduct, data review, and reporting.
Strong understanding of clinical-trial methodology, endpoints, data interpretation, and ICH-GCP requirements.
Experience working effectively with Clinical Operations, Quality, Medical, Safety, Data Science, Regulatory, and external partners.
Excellent scientific writing, critical-thinking, and presentation skills.
The ability to turn complex clinical information into clear decisions and practical actions.
A collaborative, organised, pragmatic and delivery-focused approach in a fast-moving neurotech startup environment.

Bonus Skills

Experience in medical device and/or BCI.
Experience with FIH/EFS and Pivotal stage clinical trials.
Previous involvement in regulatory submissions or interactions with health authorities in multiple geographies.
Experience leading cross-functional data-review or study-management activities.

Reporting Structure:

This role is an integral part of the Clinical Development and Operations team and reports directly to the Director of Clinical Translation.

Benefits:

Competitive salary and share options.
Daily meals provided.
Professional development support and training opportunities.
Flexible working hours and travel opportunities (We have sites in Australia, UK and US!).
A chance to work on impactful, life-changing technologies in a dynamic, innovative environment.
If you are passionate about innovation in healthcare, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your application here.