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Phd In Neuroscience Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astera

In Vitro Neuroscientist

Emeryville, CA · On-site

PhD in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, or related discipline * Strong track record of hands-on experimental neuroscience research * Expertise in one or more of the ...

Astera

In Vitro Neuroscientist

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$60K - $150K/yr

PhD in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, or related discipline * Strong track record of hands-on experimental neuroscience research * Expertise in one or more of the ...

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Phd In Neuroscience information

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How much do phd in neuroscience jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd in neuroscience in California is $29.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.14 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common collaborative opportunities for someone with a PhD in Neuroscience within academic and industry settings?

With a PhD in Neuroscience, you can expect to work closely with diverse teams, including biologists, psychologists, data scientists, and clinicians. In academia, collaboration often involves interdisciplinary research projects, grant writing, and co-authoring publications. In industry, you may partner with pharmacologists, engineers, or product development teams to advance neurotechnology or therapeutics. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as many projects require integrating expertise from multiple fields to tackle complex questions about the brain and nervous system.

What jobs can I do with a PhD in neuroscience?

A PhD in neuroscience qualifies individuals for roles such as research scientist, university professor, clinical neuropsychologist, or pharmaceutical researcher. These positions often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of laboratory techniques, and familiarity with neuroimaging tools or data analysis software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in Neuroscience?

To thrive as a PhD in Neuroscience, you need a deep understanding of neurobiology, experimental design, and data analysis, typically supported by a doctoral degree in neuroscience or a related field. Experience with advanced laboratory techniques, neuroimaging software, and statistical programming tools like MATLAB or Python is highly valuable. Strong critical thinking, perseverance, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly set top candidates apart. These skills and qualities are essential for driving impactful research, publishing results, and collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary scientific environments.

Is a PhD in neuroscience worth it?

A PhD in neuroscience prepares individuals for research, academia, and specialized roles in healthcare and biotech industries. It involves extensive training in research methods, data analysis, and often requires several years of study, leading to higher-level positions and increased earning potential compared to bachelor's or master's degrees.

What is a PhD in Neuroscience?

A PhD in Neuroscience is a doctoral degree focused on the scientific study of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and neural networks. Students in these programs conduct original research to understand how the nervous system works at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. Graduates are trained to pursue careers in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare. A PhD in Neuroscience typically requires several years of coursework, lab rotations, and the completion of a dissertation based on novel research.
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What job categories do people searching Phd In Neuroscience jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Phd In Neuroscience jobs in California are:
Phd In Neuroscience jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd In Neuroscience job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,443 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

In Vitro Neuroscientist

Astera Institute

Emeryville, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Astera Institute Experimental Neuroscientist

The Astera Institute is seeking an exceptional experimental neuroscientist to develop and execute experiments using in vitro brain slice prep. This role will focus on functional characterization of complex neuronal networks using electrophysiology, imaging, and bioengineering approaches. The ideal candidate is deeply experienced in neuronal cell culture and excited to work at the intersection of stem cell biology, neurotechnology, and quantitative neuroscience.

Responsibilities
  • Design and execute experiments using in vitro brain slice prep
  • Characterize neuronal network activity and circuit dynamics
  • Perform and optimize electrophysiological recordings, including patch clamp and multielectrode array (MEA) platforms
  • Implement optical and imaging-based methods for monitoring neuronal function, including calcium and voltage imaging
  • Contribute to experimental strategy, technology development, publications, and scientific direction in a fast-moving research environment
  • Maintain rigorous experimental documentation and data standards
Qualifications and Experience
  • PhD in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, or related discipline
  • Strong track record of hands-on experimental neuroscience research
  • Expertise in one or more of the following:
    • Optical techniques for probing neural circuits
    • Patch clamp electrophysiology
    • Multielectrode array systems
    • Functional imaging of neuronal activity
    • Human stem cell-derived neural cultures or organoids
    • Neural signal analysis and quantitative neuroscience
  • Experience culturing and maintaining neuronal systems in vitro
  • Proficiency in data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing tools
Location

This position is onsite at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may be required from time-to-time for in-person collaboration and work.

Compensation

The posted salary range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location.

Cultural Alignment
  • Surprising problem-solver – you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints.
  • Flexible by default – you don't draw hard lines around your job description and expect your role to evolve significantly over 6–12 months.
  • Bias to action – you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans, and you're energized by novel problems.
  • High standards, internally driven – you believe you can build the world's best vehicle for unleashing extraordinary individuals to create public goods, and you hold yourself to that bar without benchmarking against others.
  • Open to feedback – You create opportunities to give and receive honest feedback, staying focused on both personal and team growth, and committing to transparency even when it's uncomfortable.
  • Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship -- you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.
  • Embrace the tools that define great work today – Astera is building for an AI-driven future and equips the team accordingly. We see these as genuine force multipliers, not optional extras, and we expect our people to use them

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