Assistant Project Scientist Control Theory for Theoretical Neuroscience

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 79,400 - 92,200; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Berkeley seeks an Assistant Project Scientist in the Bouchard Lab to work at the interface of control theory and theoretical neuroscience. The position develops and applies theory, models, and methods to understand distributed brain network computations using high-dimensional neural data.

Located at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the role participates in a Bay Area collaboration spanning UCSF, LBNL, UCB, and UC Davis, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field or enrolled in a PhD program.
• Minimum of four years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience in control theory, information theory, and/or machine learning.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply theory, models, and methods for distributed neural population dynamics.
• Collaborate at the interface of control theory, information theory, dynamical systems, and statistical ML with neural time-series data.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across UCSF, LBNL, UCB and UC Davis.

Skills

Control theory

Information theory

Machine learning

Writing & communication

Publication record

Education

PhD in neuroscience, computer science, physics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering

Job description

Assistant Project Scientist – Control Theory for Theoretical Neuroscience – Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute

Position Overview

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table for the current salary scale for this position: Table 37 A reasonable full-time estimate for this position is $79,400 to $92,200.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Summer 2026

Position duration: Initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.

Application Window

Open date: May 22, 2026

Next review date: Saturday, Aug 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant Project Scientist rank in the Bouchard Lab, in the area of control theory for theoretical neuroscience. The Bouchard lab at LBNL/UC Berkeley is an interdisciplinary team that focuses on understanding how distributed neural circuits give rise to coordinated behaviors and perceptions. We are looking for an Assistant Project Scientist to work at the interface of control theory, information theory, dynamical systems, statistical machine learning, and neural time-series data. The goal is to better understand principles and mechanisms underlying distributed brain network computations through the dual lenses of control theory and information theory. This position will focus on developing and applying theory, models, and methods that provide principled understanding of simultaneous multi-region, high-dimensional neural population dynamics from diverse brain areas.

The position is located at UC Berkeley (UCB) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and is part of a broader collaborative effort between UCSF, LBNL, UCB, and UC Davis. This Bay Area collaboration combines UCSF/UCD's strong clinical and experimental neuroscience experience with in vivo cortical electrophysiology, UCB's expertise in theoretical neuroscience, statistical learning and data analysis, LBNL's supercomputing and applied mathematics, together with electronics and micro-fabrication. Successful applicants will have access to the full range of facilities and expertise uniquely allowed by this collaboration.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD degree program (or equivalent international degree)

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Minimum of four years of postdoctoral research experience

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in control theory, information theory, and/or machine learning required.
• Expertise in theoretical neuroscience preferred
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals
• PhD in neuroscience, computer science, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, etc.,

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research. (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Contact

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affi

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affine Action and NonDiscrimin

Job locationBerkeley, CA