CNRA / Research Engineer

The Systems Neural Engineering Lab (SNEL) invites motivated applicants to join our team as a Clinical Neurotechnology Research Assistant (CNRA)/ Research Engineer. This unique hybrid role sits at the intersection of cutting-edge intracortical brain-computer interface (iBCI) system development and direct clinical research. You will work within a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and physicians to develop and validate iBCIs that restore communication and mobility to people with paralysis.

As a CNRA/ Research Engineer, you will be responsible for both the technical development of real-time neural decoder infrastructure and the front-line execution of research sessions in clinical trial participants’ homes.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Development:

• Design and deploy machine learning (ML)-based BCI systems (e.g., Python, PyTorch, C++, Rust).
• Develop real-time signal processing pipelines for decoding movement and speech activity.
• Integrate multi-modal data streams (intracortical + non-invasive) using the BRAND system.

Clinical Data Collection:

• Travel 2–3 times per week to conduct research sessions at participants’ homes.
• Oversee the setup and operation of high-resolution neural recording hardware.
• Ensure participant safety, well-being, and strict adherence to clinical trial protocols.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, or similar.
• Strong proficiency in Python and the data science stack (NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn).
• Experience with Linux/Unix command line and real-time systems.
• Valid driver’s license + car that is able to travel to and from sessions
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort working in a clinical environment with people living with paralysis.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to document research activities.
• Attention to data and respecting confidentiality where appropriate.
• Ease interacting with and taking direction from multiple levels including physicians, scientists, and engineers.

Desired Skills:

• Experience in electrophysiology and single-unit neural recording.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, C++, or Rust.
• Background in signal processing or machine learning (PyTorch/TensorFlow).
• Previous experience in a care-taking or formal clinical setting.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and maneuver on hard surfaces for up to 6 hours.
• Ability to lift, carry, and push/pull research equipment weighing over 40 pounds.

Location

Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Affiliations

Biomedical Engineering & Neurosurgery, Emory and Georgia Tech

Preferred start: Early 2026

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a research that paves the way for next-generation, multifunctional BCIs.
• Collaborate within a world-class team at the forefront of neuroscience, AI, and clinical research.
• Become part of the multi-university powerhouse that is the BrainGate consortium.
• Access to unique datasets from clinical trials, high-resolution neural recordings, and cutting-edge hardware.
• Mentorship and career development opportunities in a supportive, innovative environment.

Apply