At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in biological computing and shape the future of neural tissue applications.
- Company: Join a pioneering tech startup focused on innovative biological computing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and the freedom to define your scientific agenda.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with significant career growth and ownership opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of revolutionary science and make a real impact in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields with hands-on expertise in neural cell culture and electrophysiology.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 180000 £ per year.
Founding scientific leadership role (CTO/CSO equivalent)
Salary: £100,000 to £180,000 (approx. US$136,000 to US$246,000), plus 1 to 4% equity
About frontier computing
Frontier computing works on cultured neural tissue as a computational substrate. The underlying observation is not new. Biological neurones in vivo perform inference at very low power, several orders of magnitude below what a comparable silicon system would draw, and the cells manufacture themselves.
The research programme consists of three codependent problems:
- The cost of culturing substrates at scale: Large scale neuronal culture is currently expensive enough that very few groups can do sustained work with it. The goal is to bring large scale neuronal culture within reach of ordinary experimental budgets.
- Reproducing core neuronal training mechanisms: We are interested in letting the biology do as much of the learning as it already knows how to do, which simplifies the control apparatus and scales with neuron count.
- Building out mature neuronal cultures at scale: Maturation is often treated separately, but we believe it should be integrated with culture size limitations.
About the role
This is the founding scientific leadership position at Frontier. You would set the scientific agenda, choose the problems, build the team, and be accountable for whether the science works. Your work will fundamentally be application-oriented, designed to push the capacity for biological substrate approaches.
What you would be doing:
- Research leadership: Own the scientific agenda across the three programmes.
- Building the group: Recruit and lead the founding scientific team.
- Technical judgement: Make decisions about tissue configuration, media formulation, and training environment.
- Scientific representation: Publish, present, and represent the work to the field and collaborators.
What we are looking for:
A PhD in neuroscience, bioengineering, tissue engineering, biophysics, electrical engineering or a related field, together with a record of independent work. Substantial hands-on expertise in at least two of the following:
- Neural cell culture.
- In-vitro electrophysiology.
- Tissue engineering and microfluidics.
- Computational modelling of neural systems.
We would particularly like to hear from you if you have:
- Worked on plasticity or learning in cultured or ex-vivo tissue.
- A background in hippocampal circuit physiology.
- Taken a biological protocol from research grade to something reproducible and cost controlled.
- Worked on maturation or on the size limit in three dimensional neural constructs.
- Built instrumentation across electrophysiology, optogenetics, or other related areas.
What we can offer:
- Compensation: £100,000 to £180,000 depending on experience, plus 1 to 4% equity.
- Scientific authority: You choose the problems and stop the projects.
- Resources: Recurring biology, wet lab and microfluidics infrastructure are funded.
- Visa sponsorship: We can sponsor candidates at this level.
- The right to publish: You will publish your work.
- Location: UK based, in the lab.
What we would like you to read before applying:
Frontier computing has raised $10M+ to date, providing genuine runway and a substantial equipment budget.
Note on equal opportunity: Frontier Computing LTD is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from every background.
Principal Investigator in Cambridge employer: Frontier Computing
At frontier computing, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of Cambridge. As a Principal Investigator, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the scientific agenda and lead a pioneering research team, all while enjoying competitive compensation, equity options, and the freedom to explore groundbreaking ideas without the constraints of traditional corporate structures. Our commitment to employee growth, coupled with the chance to publish your findings and contribute to meaningful advancements in neuroscience, makes this an ideal environment for those seeking impactful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Investigator in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Frontier Computing. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Frontier Computing!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Investigator in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Frontier Computing that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Frontier Computing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Frontier Computing does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Frontier Computing
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Frontier Computing. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Frontier Computing's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Frontier Computing. This shows your passion for the industry!
