Chief Operations Officer (COO) - Astera Neuro

Hire a founding operational leader (COO) to architect, operationalize, and scale Astera Neuro —building the lab space, infrastructure, talent, and systems required to advance Astera's mission to explore the boundaries of human consciousness through neuroscience and AI.

• Establish corporate-grade research operations, manage complex, cross-disciplinary programs, and ensure research is goal-oriented and well-directed.
• Serve as both strategic integrator and organizational builder, transforming an early research vision into a world-class scientific enterprise.
• Stand up the foundational operational systems for Astera Neuro, including lab infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional workflows.
• Lead recruitment effort and onboard 50–100 world-class neuroscientists, engineers, and supporting personnel across research and operations.

This role creates positive change by advancing Astera's mission to explore the boundaries of human consciousness through neuroscience and AI, with a focus on ethical advancement of AI and neuroscience research that could have existential importance.

• Helped build a startup as a founder or as part of the leadership team.
• 6+ years of leadership in complex research or technology organizations (AI, neuroscience, biotech, or advanced R&D).
• Proven success in rapidly scaling an organization from concept through multi-lab operations.
• Skilled in program and project management, budget oversight, and operational design for hybrid scientific teams.

The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package commensurate with their experience. As a nonprofit organization, we're exempt from the H-1B cap; visa sponsorship may be available for qualified candidates.