Histopathology Intern in Austin, TX

About Neuralink

Neuralink builds devices that create a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices aim to restore movement to people who are paralyzed, restore sight to people who are blind, and change how people interact with their digital world.

Team Description

The Pathology Team evaluates macroscopic and microscopic tissue samples from preclinical studies. The team includes specialized units in Anatomic Pathology, Histology, Digital Pathology, and Laboratory Operations.

Job Description and Responsibilities

As a Histopathology Intern, you will support routine histology workflows and help develop next-generation tissue preparation and imaging techniques. You will work with pathologists and histology specialists to evaluate tissue-device interactions, with a main focus on benchmarking, optimizing, and scaling volumetric histology pipelines such as tissue clearing and lightsheet microscopy. You will apply biological and laboratory principles in a fast-paced environment and are expected to:

• Assist in optimizing and validating next-generation histology workflows, especially aqueous and solvent-based tissue clearing and lightsheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) for 3D tissue visualization
• Help maintain, calibrate, and operate optical hardware, lightsheet imaging systems, and automated histology equipment
• Support routine tissue processing, embedding, sectioning (microtomy), slide preparation, and standard and special staining protocols
• Document experimental protocols, image acquisition parameters, and data analysis pipelines following Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and laboratory SOPs
• Work cross-functionally with Pathology, Preclinical, and Surgical Engineering teams to prepare tissue samples, acquire high-resolution datasets, and support study deliverables
• Assist with laboratory upkeep, including reagent preparation, chemical and biohazardous waste disposal, and inventory management

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field
• Basic understanding of anatomy, neuroanatomy, and light or fluorescence microscopy principles
• Familiarity with laboratory safety standards, fume hood operation, and handling biohazardous or chemical materials
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ months of relevant academic coursework or wet-lab experience with biological tissues and standard histology techniques (e.g., tissue fixation, sectioning, or fluorescence imaging)
• Hands-on experience or coursework in tissue clearing protocols and lightsheet fluorescence microscopy
• Experience with 3D image analysis software or large volume rendering tools (e.g., Imaris, ImageJ/Fiji, or Python/MATLAB image processing libraries)
• Exposure to medical device research and/or neuroscience applications
• Proven ability to quickly learn new laboratory equipment and troubleshoot technical procedures

Additional Requirements and Competencies

• Ability to work flexible hours, including off-hours and weekends
• Comfortable working in a controlled laboratory environment with potential exposure to extreme temperatures, fumes, and biohazardous materials or chemicals, including formalin
• Ability to lift and maneuver up to 45 pounds to manage large volumes of chemical waste, reposition large animals, and perform other physically demanding tasks as required

Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits.

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
• Growth potential, with rapid advancement for team members who have an outsized impact
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
• Paid holidays
• Commuter benefits
• Meals provided
• Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees and Interns excluded
• 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
• Parental leave *Temporary Employees and Interns excluded
• Flexible time off *Temporary Employees and Interns excluded