Scientist I – Computation through Dynamics

alleninstitute; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 86,150 - 106,650; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401k plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The alleninstitute is looking for a Scientist I in Seattle to lead analysis of large-scale neural population recordings during decision-making tasks. The role requires a PhD in neuroscience, strong knowledge in statistics, and proficiency in Python.

You will deploy analysis pipelines, collaborate with teams, and present findings. This is a full-time position with hybrid working options and an expected end date of February 1, 2030. Competitive salary range of $86,150 – $106,650 is available, along with relocation assistance and various benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience or related field is required.
• Proficiency in collaborative, multidisciplinary research.
• Strong understanding of statistics and data science.
• Ability to write reusable code in Python.

Responsibilities

• Build and deploy analysis pipelines for neural datasets.
• Apply statistical approaches to extract structure from data.
• Develop models and analyses of behavior and neural measurements.
• Collaborate to develop theory-guided hypotheses.
• Present results internally and externally.
• Engage with current literature and participate in journal club.

Skills

Knowledge in neuroscience

Statistics

Python programming

Data science

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in neuroscience, statistics, computer science, or related field

Tools

Cloud computing

Job description

Scientist I – Computation through Dynamics

The neural dynamics accelerator at Allen Institute (a/ND) focuses on foundational neuroscience, exploring how the brain builds understanding of the complex world to guide flexible behavior. The position leads analysis of large‑scale neural population recordings collected during flexible decision‑making tasks. The datasets include spike trains from thousands of neurons recorded simultaneously across multiple brain regions, providing an opportunity to uncover how distributed neural circuits support adaptive behavior.

The ideal candidate will be team‑oriented, have deep knowledge in neuroscience and statistics, and be excited to work at the intersection of large‑scale physiology, behavior, and theory. The role requires strong communication with experimentalists leveraging behavioral, computational, electrophysiological, and imaging methods, as well as molecular and transgenic resources. The goal is to make fundamental discoveries about multi‑regional neural computation for continuous learning and flexible behavior, and to generate insights that inform downstream computational modeling work and new experiments.

This position is full‑time and of a limited duration, with an expected end date of February 1, 2030.

Essential Functions

• Build and deploy reproducible analysis pipelines for large‑scale neural and behavioral datasets
• Apply statistical approaches to extract structure from high‑dimensional neural activity
• Develop quantitative models and analyses of behavior and neural measurements
• Collaborate internally and externally to develop theory‑guided hypotheses for neural computation
• Present results internally via talks and progress reports, and externally via conferences and publications
• Engage deeply with current literature, including quarterly presentations in the theory journal club

Required Education and Experience

• PhD in neuroscience, statistics, computer science, physics or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in conducting collaborative, multidisciplinary research
• Strong understanding of statistics and data science
• Ability to write reusable code in Python

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience with cloud computing infrastructure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong publication record

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State
• This position is full‑time and of a limited duration, with an expected end date of February 1, 2030

Travel

• Attendance and participation in national and international conferences required

Additional Comments

• Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance
• Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship

Annualized Salary Range

• $86,150 – $106,650 (final salary depends on required education, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, as well as work location where applicable)

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.