Staff Scientist, Preclinical Surgical Research

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescriptionPrecision Neuroscience is pioneering a brain implant, known as a brain-computer interface (BCI), to restore communication and independence for people with neurological conditions. Our cutting-edge technology is designed to empower people with paralysis to control digital devices—such as computers and smartphones—with their thoughts alone, opening new possibilities for daily life. Precision’s multidisciplinary team brings together leading experts in diverse fields such as neurosurgery, artificial intelligence, machine learning, microfabrication, electrical engineering, and more. We are committed to turning breakthrough scientific advancements into real-world solutions for people affected by conditions such as spinal cord injury, stroke, and ALS.
As a Precision employee, you will be joining one of the fastest moving and best-capitalized companies in the emerging field of BCI. Since our founding in 2021, Precision has secured over $155 million in funding, developed and validated our technology, and initiated human trials in collaboration with some of the nation’s top hospitals.
We are seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Staff Scientist, Preclinical Surgical Research to lead the design, execution, and analysis of preclinical animal studies at our Massachusetts-based Contract Research Organization (CRO). This is a senior-level, cross-functional role central to our scientific, technical, and regulatory efforts. The ideal candidate will bring deep large animal surgical expertise, scientific rigor, and operational leadership to the development of innovative neurosurgical and implantable systems.
This position will be based in our Boston office. We are unable to consider remote workers or people not currently based in the United States, with working rights.
Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute preclinical animal studies to evaluate medical device systems and answer key scientific, technical, and regulatory questions. Define study objectives, endpoints, and methodology in alignment with R&D and regulatory strategy.
• Lead the drafting, refinement, and execution of surgical protocols aligned with experimental goals, animal welfare standards, and regulatory requirements. Maintain strict version control and support protocol review and approval processes (e.g., IACUC, GLP).
• Coordinate closely with R&D, Regulatory, and Quality teams to ensure that studies are designed and conducted to support system-level verification and validation (V&V), meet regulatory submission needs, and withstand technical and scientific scrutiny.
• Perform and oversee complex surgical procedures, with an emphasis on large animal models. Ensure procedural consistency, sterility (where required), and surgical quality across studies.
• Manage day-of-study execution, including experimental setup, surgical logistics, team coordination, and intraoperative troubleshooting.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to extract meaningful insights, inform system development, and support formal reporting. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to contextualize results within broader product development.
• Own inventory and procurement of all experimental and surgical supplies, ensuring readiness and compliance with procedural requirements.
• Maintain meticulous surgical and experimental records, including intraoperative observations, procedural deviations, and postoperative outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional debriefings after surgical sessions and produce detailed technical reports to inform design iteration and future studies.
• Organize and lead planning meetings for in vivo experiments, ensuring timely decisions, clear documentation, and alignment across research, veterinary, and operational stakeholders.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum of 5 years of experience conducting and analyzing in vivo surgical research, preferably with large animal models.
• Strong experience in the design and execution of preclinical studies supporting medical device development.
• Familiarity with GLP principles, V&V requirements, and regulatory expectations related to animal studies.
• Proven ability to work across functions to translate experimental findings into design, risk, and regulatory documentation.
• High proficiency in sterile surgical technique, operating room setup, instrumentation, and procedural execution.
• Demonstrated excellence in data analysis, technical documentation, and communication with cross-functional teams.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD, DVM) in biological sciences, biomedical engineering, veterinary science, or a related field.
• Direct experience conducting complex surgeries in large animal models (e.g., pigs, non-human primates).
• Prior involvement in GLP or regulatory-submission-enabling preclinical studies.

Diverse workforces create the best culture, company, and products. We at Precision are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates the uniqueness and contributions of everyone. As an equal opportunity employer, Precision does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.