Laboratory Technician, ICP-MS

Job Description

Job Description

About Subsense

Subsense is a deep-tech company developing the world’s first non-surgical, bidirectional brain-computer interface powered by plasmonic and magnetoelectric nanoparticles. Our mission is to unlock direct communication between the human brain and AI - starting with medical applications such as stroke recovery and moving toward cognitive enhancement for healthy users. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Subsense brings together leading scientists and engineers to redefine the future of human–machine interaction.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Laboratory Technician, ICP-MS to join our Nanoscience team. This role will support the team’s analytical and experimental work through the operation, maintenance, and application of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), with a particular focus on reliable trace-element analysis and high-quality experimental data.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D laboratory environment. This person will work closely with scientists and engineers across the Nanoscience team to prepare samples, execute analytical methods, maintain laboratory instrumentation, and ensure the quality and reproducibility of analytical results.

• Operate ICP-MS instrumentation for routine and experimental trace-element analysis.
• Prepare samples, standards, blanks, and calibration solutions using appropriate clean-lab and contamination-control practices.
• Perform instrument calibration, tuning, quality-control checks, and routine system suitability testing.
• Execute established ICP-MS methods and support the 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 assist with troubleshooting analytical, sample-preparation, and instrument-related issues.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and coordinate more complex instrument servicing as needed.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, instrument logs, sample records, and experimental documentation.
• Manage ICP-MS consumables, standards, reference materials, gases, and other laboratory supplies.
• Support general laboratory operations, including preparation of reagents and solutions, equipment upkeep, inventory management, and laboratory organization.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and established protocols for handling acids, chemicals, samples, and laboratory waste.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to plan analytical work, interpret results, and improve experimental workflows.
• Contribute to the development of SOPs, analytical procedures, and laboratory best practices.
• Support additional analytical and Nanoscience laboratory activities as priorities evolve.

• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining ICP-MS instrumentation.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, chemical engineering, or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience.
• Experience working in a chemistry, analytical, materials, or research laboratory.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow analytical procedures consistently.
• Experience preparing samples, standards, reagents, and solutions using quantitative laboratory techniques.
• Comfort working with laboratory instrumentation and learning new analytical methods.
• Ability to maintain clear, accurate, and organized experimental records.
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with trace metals or elemental analysis.
• Familiarity with ICP-MS sample preparation, including acid digestion, dilution, and contamination-control techniques.
• Experience with ICP-MS method development, optimization, or validation.
• Familiarity with analytical QA/QC practices, including blanks, spikes, duplicates, internal standards, calibration verification, and certified reference materials.
• Experience troubleshooting ICP-MS components such as sample introduction systems, cones, vacuum systems, pumps, or autosamplers.
• Experience with other analytical techniques such as ICP-OES, atomic absorption spectroscopy, ion chromatography, or related instrumentation.
• Experience working in an R&D, startup, or rapidly evolving laboratory environment.

Why You’ll Thrive

You'd be joining a small team developing a non-surgical, bidirectional brain-computer interface powered by plasmonic and magnetoelectric nanoparticles. You’ll help translate early research into working technology, with the opportunity to influence both the platform and how we build it.

A few things that make this different:

• Own meaningful technical work: Take projects from early R&D through functional prototypes, with room to test ideas, solve complex problems, and shape design decisions.
• Build across disciplines: Work hands-on with ultrasound, electronics, and instrumentation alongside scientists and engineers in neuroscience, nanotechnology, and AI.
• Help shape a novel platform: Contribute to technology with the potential to restore neurological function and, over time, enable direct brain-to-AI communication.
• Make a visible impact: Join a team where your contributions directly influence technical progress, with equity that lets you share in the company’s growth.

Our work takes place across labs in Palo Alto and Mountain View. We offer a competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), commuter benefits, and paid time off.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.