Research Assistant, Preclinical Studies

The Role

You will focus on hands-on execution of survival and terminal procedures, including surgical preparation, intraoperative assistance, anesthesia and recovery support, post-operative monitoring, rodent handling, animal training for behavioral or recording workflows, study documentation, and routine electrophysiology recording sessions using approved study equipment. This role is based on-site in Palo Alto.

Husbandry is handled by our vivarium partner, so you will focus on research execution rather than daily cage-side husbandry. You will work directly with scientists, engineers, and surgeons, follow approved surgical SOPs and IACUC protocols, support implant-site and externalized device checks, and help ensure studies are executed consistently, humanely, and with clear documentation.

Your work will primarily involve rats, with potential future mouse work and possible future support for large-animal studies at partner facilities.

What You’ll Do

• Support rodent preclinical studies, primarily in rats.
• Assist with survival and terminal procedures, including surgical preparation, intraoperative support, anesthesia monitoring, recovery support, and procedure documentation.
• Prepare animals, equipment, supplies, and procedure areas for study activities.
• Perform post-operative checks, including implant-site monitoring, externalized device checks, weight tracking, behavior observations, and escalation of animal welfare concerns.
• Support animal training for behavioral, handling, or recording workflows.
• Conduct routine electrophysiology recording sessions using approved study equipment and established SOPs.
• Handle animals during recording sessions and monitor animal condition throughout procedures.
• Maintain clear study records, including animal observations, procedural notes, device status, recording conditions, and deviations.
• Follow IACUC-approved protocols, SOPs, study checklists, and humane endpoint criteria.
• Coordinate closely with scientists, engineers, surgeons, vivarium staff, and veterinary staff.
• Assist with sample collection, terminal procedures, tissue handling, and downstream histology coordination as needed.
• Own operational readiness for in vivo and in vitro workflows, including inventory management, supply restocking, workspace organization, equipment readiness, and 5S practices across preclinical and biology workspaces.

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in laboratory animal research, veterinary technology, preclinical research, neuroscience, or a related hands-on research environment.
• Experience handling rodents, especially rats.
• Comfort working directly with animals during surgical, post-operative, behavioral, or recording workflows.
• Ability to follow detailed SOPs, checklists, and study protocols with consistency.
• Strong attention to detail and comfort documenting observations in a regulated research environment.
• Good judgment around animal welfare and willingness to escalate concerns early.
• Comfort working hands-on with delicate devices, cables, connectors, implants, and research equipment.
• Reliable, organized, and calm during live animal procedures.
• Ability to work on-site in Palo Alto and support occasional early, late, or weekend checks when required by study schedules.

Nice to Have

• RVT, LVT, CVT, ALAT, LAT, or LATG certification.
• Experience with rodent survival surgery, anesthesia monitoring, aseptic technique, or surgical recovery.
• Experience with electrophysiology, neural implants, behavioral testing, or preclinical medical device studies.
• Experience working under IACUC-approved protocols.
• Experience with terminal procedures, perfusion, tissue collection, necropsy support, or histology coordination.
• Experience supporting regulated research, GLP-like documentation, or medical device development.
• Experience supporting large-animal studies, especially with sheep, pigs, or similar preclinical models.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and routine cell maintenance, including feeding, passaging, cell counting, aseptic technique, and supporting cell-based experimental workflows.

Salary/Pay Range

The expected pay range for this role is $30 to $41/hr, depending on experience, plus equity and benefits. This is a full-time, non-exempt role and is eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable law.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation
• Equity ownership in an early-stage neurotechnology company
• Medical, dental, vision
• Flexible vacation and company-paid holidays
• Healthy meals and snacks provided for non-remote employees
• Paid parental, jury duty, bereavement, family care and medical leave
• 401(k)

Why Join Us

At Axo Neurotech, you’ll be joining a team that believes in bold ideas, scientific rigor, and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. We’re creating the tools that will define the future of neurotechnology - and we’re just getting started.