Astera Resident
Astera Institute
Summary
Astera is opening a call for the Spring 2027 cohort of our Residency program, a 12-18 month fully funded program that seeds and supports mission-driven, open projects that can catalyze further private and public sector advancements. Residents work onsite at our headquarters in Emeryville, California, a hub for open science, data, and technology.
Job description
About the Residency Program
Astera is opening a call for the Spring 2027 cohort of our Residency program, a 12-18 month fully funded program that seeds and supports mission-driven, open projects that can catalyze further private and public sector advancements. Residents work onsite at our headquarters in Emeryville, California, a hub for open science, data, and technology.
Tracks
- Neuroscience
- AI Research
- Life Sciences
- Open Science
- Deep Tech
Who should apply
Astera's Residency offers non-dilutive funding for open projects that may be a precursor to a future for-profit or nonprofit organization, or a one-off public domain output. Ideal Residents could look like entrepreneurs, engineers, industry scientists, promising academics, or have other profiles. We also welcome applications from co-founders.
What we're seeking in our Residencies
- Fit for Astera - projects that align with Astera's domain areas, where our expertise and resources can accelerate progress; early stage and well-scoped to a 12-18 month Residency.
- Useful - projects that build tools, infrastructure, or insights with real pathways to adoption and broad societal benefit.
- Open First - work should be open, accessible, and nonproprietary by default, enabling others to build on outputs and share learnings.
- People-Project Fit - Residents should bring relevant expertise, judgment, and agency; be aligned with Astera's principles; and contribute positively to Astera's community.
Core Responsibilities
Residents will lead mission-driven, open projects that catalyze advancements in science and technology. They are expected to produce accessible outputs, share learnings, and contribute positively to the Astera community.
Requirements
- Entrepreneur, engineer, industry scientist, academic, or similar profile
- Project proposal aligned with Astera's domain areas
- Ability to work onsite in Emeryville, CA for the 12-18 month duration
- Early-stage project well-scoped to a 12-18 month Residency
- Commitment to open, accessible, nonproprietary outputs
- Relevant expertise, judgment, and agency
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Visa Support
- Relocation Support
Company overview
Astera Institute is a nonprofit research institute founded in 2020 by Jed McCaleb and Seemay Chou, dedicated to empowering visionary, high-leverage science and technology projects with transformative potential for human civilization. Operating as a 501(c)(3) private foundation based in Berkeley, California, Astera focuses on areas that lack natural homes in existing innovation ecosystems, particularly Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), neuroscience, life sciences, and climate technology. The institute operates through three main divisions: Neuro & AGI (directed neuroscience and AI research), Radial (life sciences research division), and the Foundation (centralized operational and financial support). With over $2.6 billion in assets and a commitment of up to $500 million over the next decade for its life sciences division, Astera employs a unique "build-test-learn" approach to scientific infrastructure and practices. The organization emphasizes experimentation with how science is conducted through actual research efforts, funding high-risk, neglected ideas that have outsized potential impact. Astera's mission is to steer science and technology toward an abundant future by supporting projects that traditional funding mechanisms often overlook, while also providing operational support, residency programs, and fellowship opportunities to advance scientific discovery and technological innovation.