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 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 long-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 workplace 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 field
Deep hands-on experience with in vitro cell culture and stem cell biology
Strong experience developing, maintaining and expanding induced pluripotent stem cell lines
Demonstrated experience with neural differentiation and the production of neural cell types
Experience assessing cell culture quality, health, maturity and consistency
Experience identifying and resolving common failure points within cell culture and differentiation workflows
Experience with gene-editing techniques, including CRISPR-Cas9
Strong knowledge of experimental design,



scientific methodology and hypothesis-driven research
The ability to interpret complex biological datasets and apply appropriate statistical analysis
Experience developing, standardising and owning scientific processes
Strong operational oversight, project planning and governance capability
The ability to balance exploratory scientific work with production requirements, deadlines and quality standards
Experience working effectively across multidisciplinary teams spanning biology, hardware and software
Strong scientific leadership capability, including setting expectations, maintaining standards and keeping teams aligned
Strong communication skills
Creative problem-solving skills and structured scientific curiosity
Preferred Experience
The strongest candidates may also bring experience in one or more of the following areas:
Electrophysiology
Multielectrode array systems
Advanced statistical analysis of biological datasets
Automation of cell culture or biological production workflows
Cell production planning and capacity management
Quality control systems within biological or laboratory environments
Preparing peer-reviewed scientific papers and publications
Grant writing and research funding applications
Developing patentable ideas or intellectual property
Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or commercial scientific research
Startup or small-team environments
Managing and developing scientists or laboratory staff
Shaping scientific team culture
Building or scaling scientific teams
Key Responsibilities
Take ownership of cell culture quality and maintain consistent scientific standards across the laboratory
Lead cell production activities to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality neural cells
Oversee iPSC maintenance, expansion, health and long-term stability
Lead and improve neural differentiation workflows
Coordinate cell culture plating and production plans against research and experimental priorities
Monitor production capacity and ensure ongoing biological requirements are met
Identify and resolve risks, bottlenecks, quality issues and recurring sources of variability
Develop reliable, repeatable and scalable processes across cell maintenance, expansion, differentiation and plating
Establish clear documentation, quality controls and ownership across biological workflows
Align cell production with current and future research programmes
Work closely with hardware, software and research teams to ensure biological delivery supports wider programme requirements
Contribute practical biological insight to Cortical Labs' broader scientific direction
Design and support rigorous experiments from hypothesis through to measurable outcomes
Interpret complex biological datasets and use findings to improve processes and research outcomes
Support scientific paper writing, publication activity and technical communications
Contribute to grant applications and funding submissions
Represent Cortical Labs through conferences, research partnerships and broader scientific engagement




Contribute to the development of patentable ideas and intellectual property
Identify opportunities to automate cell culture and production workflows
Support 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 members
Building and developing a team beneath the role
Setting the longer-term direction of the biology function
Taking broader ownership of cell production strategy, capacity and quality
Leading significant multidisciplinary research programmes
Contributing to company-wide scientific strategy and prioritisation
What Success Looks Like
Within 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.
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.
At Cortical Labs, we believe the next revolution in computing won't come from silicon alone.
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📌 Staff/Senior Staff/Principal Scientist (Biology) (Melbourne)
🏢 black.ai
📍 Melbourne