Astera Institute

Role Description 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. Qualifications - 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. Requirements - Experience with machine learning or dynamical systems modeling. - C++ programming experience is a strong bonus. - Familiarity with Linux, Git, and high-performance computing environments. Nice-to-Have Areas of Interest - 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. Education - Ph.D. or equivalent demonstrated expertise in Computational Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline. Location - 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. Compensation - 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 - Cultural Alignment. - Surprising problem-solver – you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints. - Flexible by default – you don't draw hard lines around your job description and expect your role to evolve significantly over 6–12 months. - Bias to action – you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans, and you're energized by novel problems. - High standards, internally driven – you believe you can build the world's 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 it’s 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. - Understand that theories are opinions until they’re adequately validated with data – follow the scientific method rigorously.