About the Network

Protocol Labs is an innovation network of more than 600 teams, projects, and movements, focused on R&D and deploying network protocols. Our teams are purpose-aligned and share a common mission: To drive breakthroughs in computing to push humanity forward. For us, decentralization is more than just a rallying cry; it’s an operational ethos and a belief system baked into the products we develop. Network members have been responsible for creating and building many of the core primitives that power the decentralized web: IPFS, IPLD, Filecoin, libp2p, and more. Even more, our focus goes beyond web3 protocols and spans a wide range of technologies, including neurotech, AI, virtual reality, and more. For more information on the Protocol Labs network and our focus areas, please watch Juan Benet’s talk from PL Summit 2023.

About the Company

As an innovation network rooted in a culture of collaboration, Protocol Labs requires a fresh approach to advancing emerging technologies. Polaris builds the infrastructure that enables Protocol Labs teams, projects, and movements, and members to flourish. We create the programs, tools, and events that connect, strengthen, and build the teams that drive breakthroughs in computing to push humanity forward. We manage network membership and track data to continuously gauge the growth and state of maturity of Protocol Labs across a number of critical pillars, and manage the Protocol Labs brand and strategic marketing initiatives. At the core of everything Polaris does, is the Protocol Labs mission and the desire to progress innovation.

About the Role: Neurotech Programs Lead

As Neurotech Programs Lead at Polaris, you’ll play a central role in amplifying Protocol Labs’ impact across the neurotechnology focus area. You’ll do this by:

• Understanding the field: Assess the state, identify needs and opportunities, map the ecosystem, and build relationships
• Driving the field forward: Develop and run programs, and facilitate and coordinate efforts by others in the ecosystem
• Tracking and measuring progress: Monitor field progress and program impact, iterate and improve

The programs you run will span a wide range and may include:

• Publish reports showcasing neurotech teams and their research
• Identifying and coordinating the development of shared infrastructure to support neurotech research
• Fostering useful collaborations between teams working in the neurotech field
• Identifying potential funders and connecting them with teams raising capital
• Organizing events to showcase field progress and facilitate coordination efforts
• Coordinating founders and experts for dedicated field building activities

In doing so, you’ll impact key projects within the neurotechnology space. Your role will advance initiatives that push the boundaries of brain-computer interfaces (BCI), cognitive computing, whole brain emulation (WBE), and other neurotech advancements. By fostering innovation and collaboration, you’ll help create resilient systems that ensure responsible technological progress, shaping the future of neurotechnology.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate will:

• Develop a thorough and in-depth understanding of the neurotech field, identifying needs, opportunities, and trends
• Map the neurotech ecosystem and build relationships with projects, teams, and partners
• Develop and run programs to support the advancement of the field, collaborating with others in the ecosystem
• Track field progress and program impact in a data-driven, quantitative manner, iterating and improving as needed

We expect that the ideal candidate has:

• An advanced degree in neuroscience or another relevant area, coupled with applied experience in the field
• Deep understanding of the neurotech field, including awareness of the various sub-domains, trends, regulatory landscape, and more
• Experience working with researchers, scientists, and open source developer teams
• A strong generalist background with 8+ years of experience, applying first principles thinking to various situations
• Experience working and excelling in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to quickly align a broad group of stakeholders
• Strategic mindset and high degree of agency, with ample experience to showcase the combination of both skill sets used in tandem

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Polaris is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We believe that diversity in our team makes us stronger and more innovative. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.