Subsense is a deep-tech company developing a non-surgical, bidirectional brain-computer interface powered by plasmonic and magnetoelectric nanoparticles. Its stated aim is direct communication between the human brain and AI, starting with medical applications such as stroke recovery. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto.

About the role

This role joins the Nanoscience team, supporting its analytical and experimental work through the operation, maintenance and application of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, with a focus on reliable trace-element analysis and high-quality experimental data.

What you will do

• Operate ICP-MS instrumentation for routine and experimental trace-element analysis.
• Prepare samples, standards, blanks and calibration solutions using clean-lab and contamination-control practices.
• Perform instrument calibration, tuning, quality-control checks and routine system suitability testing.
• Execute established methods and support development, optimization and validation of new analytical methods.
• Process, review and document analytical data including calibration curves, QC results, detection limits and sample results.
• Identify anomalous results and troubleshoot analytical, sample-preparation and instrument issues.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and manage consumables, standards, reference materials and gases.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks, instrument logs and sample records, and contribute to SOPs and analytical procedures.

What they are looking for

• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining ICP-MS instrumentation.
• An associate's or bachelor's degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, materials science, nanoscience or chemical engineering, or equivalent lab experience.
• Experience preparing samples, standards, reagents and solutions using quantitative laboratory techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow analytical procedures consistently.
• Valued: trace metals or elemental analysis, ICP-MS method development, analytical QA/QC practices, and other techniques such as ICP-OES or atomic absorption spectroscopy.