Lead Computational Neuroscience: Brain Dynamics & Models

astera; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Astera Neuro, part of the Astera Institute, is building tools to decipher neural codes behind perception, thought, behavior, and internal state, assembling a founding team of neuroscientists, computational scientists, and engineers to pursue high-risk, high-reward science with Open Science policy.

Computational Neuroscientists will develop theory-driven models, analyze large-scale neural data, and translate insights into NeuroAI architectures, with collaboration across experimentalists,

Qualifications

• PhD with 3–12+ years of experience in computational neuroscience or related field.
• Ability to lead a computational or theoretical research project end to end.
• Depth in dynamical systems, including fixed-point and attractor analysis.
• Strong computational skills with Python and ML frameworks (PyTorch/JAX).
• Hands-on experience with large-scale neural datasets (electrophysiology, imaging).
• Ability to collaborate with experimentalists, software engineers, and hardware engineers.

Responsibilities

• Build models of compositional neural representation grounded in cognitive theory.
• Develop coupled dynamical-system models of inter-areal interactions.
• Analyze fixed-point structure and stable states of neural systems.
• Derive perturbations using optogenetic and electrical stimulation to drive system states.
• Stitch data across subjects and species into foundation neural models.
• Propose and help design new experiments with experimental teams.
• Abstract principles into NeuroAI architectures with Astera AI.
• Mentor researchers and contribute to hiring and lab culture.
• Contribute to publications, talks, and open data/tooling releases.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

JAX

ML pipelines

Dynamical systems

Leadership

Experiment collaboration

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Kilosort

Neuropixels

Job description

Astera Neuro, part of the Astera Institute, is building tools to decipher neural codes behind perception, thought, behavior, and internal state, assembling a founding team of neuroscientists, computational scientists, and engineers to pursue high-risk, high-reward science with Open Science policy.

Computational Neuroscientists will develop theory-driven models, analyze large-scale neural data, and translate insights into NeuroAI architectures, with collaboration across experimentalists,