Research Scientist Computational Neuroscience

Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions systems and tools that drive scientific progress.

Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups allowing us to focus on ambitious goals match structure to problem and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission vision and programming here.

Astera Institute is seeking a Research Scientist in Computational Neuroscience to develop computational models of neural circuits and brain function.

• Read analyze and synthesize neuroscience cognitive science and computational neuroscience literature.

• Develop biologically plausible computational models of neural circuits brain regions and large-scale brain systems.

• Compare model predictions with experimental data and refine models accordingly.

• Develop novel algorithms inspired by biological neural computation.

• Analyze large-scale neural and behavioral datasets to inform and evaluate computational models.

• Stay current with advances in neuroscience machine learning and computational modeling.

• Propose and pursue original research directions that advance our understanding of brain computation.

• Make novel scientific contributions to computational neuroscience through the development of new theories and models.

• Document research findings and communicate results through technical reports publications and presentations.

• Experience programming in Python

• Familiarity with scientific computing libraries such as Jax Pytorch NumPy SciPy or similar tools

• Research experience in systems computational and theoretical neuroscience.

• Experience working with data analysis statistics or machine learning workflows

• Ability to work independently and communicate technical findings clearly

• Experience with machine learning or dynamical systems modeling

• C programming experience is a strong bonus

• Familiarity with Linux Git and high-performance computing environments

• Neural circuit modeling

• Synaptic plasticity and learning

• Large-scale brain simulations

• Data-driven modeling of neural systems

• Interest in wet lab experiments to collect more data or test theories

• Ph.D. or equivalent demonstrated expertise in Computational Neuroscience Neuroscience Computer Science Physics Electrical Engineering Applied Mathematics or a related discipline.

This position can be remote hybrid or onsite at our office in Emeryville CA. Some travel may occasionally be required for collaboration and team events.

The posted wage range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package commensurate with their experience and location.

• Benefits Summary

• Surprising problem-solver you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we dont even know we have and see options where others only see constraints.

• Flexible by default you dont draw hard lines around your job description and expect your role to evolve significantly over 612 months.

• Bias to action you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans and youre energized by novel problems.

• High standards internally driven you believe you can build the worlds best vehicle for unleashing extraordinary individuals to create public goods and you hold yourself to that bar without benchmarking against others.

• Open to feedback You create opportunities to give and receive honest feedback staying focused on both personal and team growth and committing to transparency even when its uncomfortable.

• Operate with the highest levels of integrity judgment and stewardship -- you treat residents peers and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.

• Embrace the tools that define great work today Astera is building for an AI-driven future and equips the team accordingly. We see these as genuine force multipliers not optional extras and we expect our people to use them.

• Understand that theories are opinions until theyre adequately validated with data follow the scientific method rigorously.

Required Experience:

IC