i-BRAIN – the Institute for Brain Research, Advanced Interfaces and Neurotechnologies - is a highly-interdisciplinary research institute focused on developing transformative brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that blur the distinction between electronics and the brain. Founded by world-reknown scientist Prof. Charles Lieber, i-BRAIN will enable groundbreaking research to understand the brain and brain diseases as well as breakthrough technologies for treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases for the near-term but also enable future advances and treatments that today may be considered the realm of science fiction. Additionally, i-BRAIN will instill a positive and highly interdisciplinary culture in the training of young scientists, engineers and doctors such that they are prepared to lead the development of science and engineering as well as the translation of ideas into commercial technologies that benefit present and future generations!

1. Associate/Assistant Investigators

Core Responsibilities:

1) Conduct independent research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) of the research group.

2) Lead nonhuman primate (NHP) research efforts focused on implementation of novel electrophysiological probe technologies within the context of cognitive and motor disease models.

3) Assist with rodent research efforts focused on implementation of novel electrophysiological probe technologies for model studies and treatments of neurodegenerative disease and stroke.

4) Assist in academic manuscript preparation.

5) Mentor postdoctoral researchers, students, and research assistants.

6) Independently or collaboratively assist the PI in applying for research grants.

7) Support lab management tasks.

Qualifications & Requirements:

1) Ph.D. and/or postdoctoral research experience from a leading research institution or university.

2) Strong background in neuroscience or related field with demonstrated independent research capabilities and extensive experimental experience.

3) Experience with NHP surgery, neural probe implantation, as well as cognitive and related studies.

4) Experience with rodent disease models, electrophysiology and histology.

5) Proven track record of high-quality publications as the first or corresponding author.

6) Proficient in English for academic communication.

7) Strong passion for exploring new research directions.

8) Excellent communication, teamwork skills, and academic integrity.

2. Research Assistants 

Core Responsibilities:

1) Assist Associate/Assistant Investigators, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students with research activities. 

2) Conduct research under the supervision of the PI.

3) Support daily laboratory operations and management.

Qualifications & Requirements:

1) A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, applied physics, data science, bioengineering, chemical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, neurology, or regenerative medicine.

2) Proficiency in English for effective communication.

3) Strong passion for exploring new research directions.

4) Excellent communication skills, teamwork abilities, and academic integrity.

3. Director of the i-BRAIN Nanofabrication Facility

Director of the NanoFab, supports high-impact research and education by providing cutting-edge instrumentation and first-class technical expertise and training to its users.

Core Responsibilities:

1) Ensure optimal performance and reliability of core facility equipment through proactive maintenance planning.

2) Coordinate full-cycle procurement processes of major research equipment, including needs assessment, budget planning, vendor negotiations, acceptance testing, and asset lifecycle management.

3) Lead recruitment, technical training, and daily operations of facility staff, while managing user access systems such as equipment reservation and usage tracking, and implementing performance evaluation frameworks.

4) Establish training programs (checkout/certification) for self-users and maintain management systems for the NanoFab, including safety protocols, operational guidelines, and emergency response plans.

5) Develop and optimize standard operating protocols (SOPs) for clean-room/fabrication tool workflows, and supervise the development of training materials for open-access equipment.

6) Design innovative service packages with competitive pricing models, and prepare comprehensive operational reports covering utilization metrics, financial performance and research outcomes.

7) Execute strategic initiatives and special projects as directed by institutional leadership team.

Qualifications:

1) PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science or related disciplines; senior-level candidates with core facility management experience preferred.

2) Minimum 3 years’ proven track record in managing clean-room/fabrication tools within academic or research institutions.

3) Advanced expertise in electron beam lithography (EBL) systems, photolithography mask aligner, direct-write maskless aligner, electron beam evaporators and wet bench operations with working knowledge of cutting-edge platforms such as deep-UV ASML stepper photolithography systems.

4) Hands-on technical proficiency coupled with passion for technological innovation in NanoFab.

5) Proven leadership abilities to mentor technical teams and foster interdisciplinary collaborations.

6) Strong service-orientation with exceptional communication skills and commitment to user-centered operations.

7) Demonstrated experience in managing government-funded procurement programs for scientific instrumentation and fixed asset inventory systems.

8) English proficiency. Overseas experiences are preferred.

4. Lab Manager (PhD + Postdoc Experience) 

Core Responsibilities:

1) Financial Management: Oversee annual lab budgeting, fund allocation, and reimbursement processes, ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

2) Equipment Procurement Coordination: Manage end-to-end procurement of lab equipment, including needs assessment, vendor negotiations, order tracking, and quality inspection.

3) Lab Safety & Training: Develop and update lab safety protocols, conduct quarterly safety training (chemical handling, biosafety, and emergency drills).

4) Task Assignment & Supervision: Oversee the timely preparation of research reports working with group members and the PI.

5) Animal Protocol Compliance:

- Lead the design and ethical review of experimental protocols for rodent (Rodent) and non-human primate (NHP).

- Monitor regulatory updates to ensure full compliance with guidelines.

6) Website development:In charge of lab website development and content updates, integrating research and resource-sharing features. 

7) Research Outreach Strategies: Organize annual lab open-house events, draft press releases for key findings, and manage social media promotion.

8) Candidate Prescreening: Support the PI in preliminary screening of postdoc applicants.

9) Oversee Facility Maintenance: Oversee and assist with routine equipment inspections and coordinate professional repairs or preventive maintenance.

10) Miscellaneous Duties: Handle ad hoc tasks assigned by the PI and participate in cross-departmental meetings.

Qualifications:

1) PhD degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, neuroscience) preferred.

2) Minimum 3-year working experience in laboratory management (preferably across chemical and neuroscience labs).

3) Proficiency in equipment maintenance and compliance protocols.

4) Excellent verbal and written communication skills; fluency in English and Chinese.

5) Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities.

6) Proactive, trustworthy, and adaptable to a diverse, fast-paced environment.

5. PI Assistant 

Core Responsibilities:

1) Daily Operations Coordination: Manage PI and lab calendars, schedule group meetings, seminars, etc.

2) Meeting & Travel Logistics:

- Organize weekly lab meetings, reserve meeting rooms/virtual links, and document minutes.

- Assist in travel arrangements for the PI and team members (flights, hotels, conference registration).

- Coordinate academic visits, including guest, refreshment arrangements.

3) Communication & Documentation: Manage correspond, maintain email archives.

4) Research Supply Management:

- Procure reagents and consumables from suppliers, maintain inventory records.

- Track orders, manage returns, and verify invoices.

5) PI Academic Profile Maintenance: Regularly update the PI’s CV, personal webpage, and related profiles (e.g., website, social media).

6) Recruitment Support:

- Screen application material for lab positions, compile candidate profiles, schedule interviews.

- Maintain candidate databases and track interview feedback.

7) Miscellaneous Support: Assist with reimbursement documentation, lab access management, and new member onboarding.

Qualifications:

1) Master degree in a scientific discipline preferred.

2) Minimum 3-year working experience in research group.

3) Excellent verbal and written communication skills; fluency in English and Chinese.

4) Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities.

5) Proactive, trustworthy, outgoing and adaptable to a diverse, fast-paced environment.

1. For Associate/Assistant Investigators, Research Assistants applicants, please provide the following materials in English 

1) Curriculum Vitae, including full publication list and technical expertise.

2) Research statement (max. 3 pages), outlining current research summary and future plans, and personal strengths relevant to the research.

3) 2-3 recommendation letters (for Associate/Assistant Investigator applications), sent directly to ibrain@smart.org.cn.

4) Any other relevant supporting documents.

Please send the above materials in PDF format.

(Tthe subject of the email: name + Position applied)

2. For Director of the i-BRAIN Nanofabrication Facility,Lab Manager,PI Assistant,please provide the following materials in English

1) CV.

2) Other materials that can illustrate capabilities.

Please send the above materials in PDF format and the applicant's self-introduction to ibrain@smart.org.cn.

(The subject of the email: name+Nanofab director,name+Lab manager, or name+PI assistant).