Scientist I - Neural Circuits Theory

Allen Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 87,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Visa sponsorship

Job summary

The Allen Institute is hiring a Scientist I in Neural Circuits Theory to develop data-driven theories of how circuit structure shapes neural computation. You will leverage large-scale connectivity atlases and brain-wide recordings to distill computation from connectivity data and thousands of neurons’ spike trains across regions.

The role emphasizes creating mechanistic models, deriving reduced descriptions, and collaborating with experimentalists to test hypotheses.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, physics, applied mathematics, statistics or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build theories of collective dynamics in systems of many interacting elements.
• Strong scientific-computing skills and familiarity with modern machine learning.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanistic models of many interacting neurons that can be fit directly to connectivity and neural activity data.
• Derive coarse-grained descriptions of these models, reducing them to a small number of variables that reveal features of connectivity and wiring.
• Characterize the space of models consistent with a given dataset and determine how connectivity constrains that space.
• Develop theories for how perturbations narrow that space and identify informative experiments to perform next.
• Collaborate with experimentalists to turn theory into testable hypotheses about neural computation.
• Present results to collaborators and the wider scientific community through talks, conferences, and publications.

Skills

Machine learning

Statistics

Theoretical modeling

Scientific computing

Collaborative skills

Education

PhD in neuroscience

PhD in physics

PhD in applied mathematics

PhD in statistics

Tools

Python

ML frameworks

Job description

Scientist I - Neural Circuits Theory

The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.

The goal of the Neural Dynamics accelerator is to understand how the brain generates flexible behavior. We aim to uncover the algorithms-implemented by dynamics in brain-wide neural circuits that allow animals to build internal models, process information, and choose actions.

We are searching for a Scientist to develop data-driven theories of how circuit structure shapes neural computation. The Scientist will use the Institute's large-scale connectivity atlases and brain-wide recordings to understand how the brain's wiring organizes neural dynamics and drives flexible behavior. The position offers a rare opportunity: distilling theories of computation from connectivity data produced at unprecedented scale, together with spike trains from thousands of neurons recorded simultaneously across multiple brain regions, and a wealth of targeted activity perturbations during behavior.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in applied mathematics or statistical physics, fluency in modern machine learning for science, and a genuine interest in how the brain computes. The role requires close collaboration with experimentalists using state-of-the-art anatomical, electrophysiological, and imaging methods. The goal is to make fundamental discoveries about how mammalian circuit architecture gives rise to function, and to generate insights that shape new experiments at the Institute.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone - and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly. We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Develop mechanistic models of many interacting neurons that can be fit directly to connectivity and neural activity data
• Derive coarse-grained descriptions of these models, reducing them to a small number of variables that reveal which features of connectivity - cell-type composition, anatomical projections, the statistical structure of the wiring - govern neural dynamics
• Characterize the space of models consistent with a given dataset, and determine how connectivity constrains that space
• Develop theories for how different perturbations narrow that space, and use them to identify the most informative experiments to perform next
• Collaborate with experimentalists to turn theory into testable hypotheses about neural computation
• Present results to collaborators and the wider scientific community through talks, conferences, and publications

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Education and Experience

PhD in neuroscience, physics, applied mathematics, statistics or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience

Demonstrated ability to build theories of collective dynamics in systems of many interacting elements

Strong scientific-computing skills and familiarity with modern machine learning

Preferred Education and Experience

Deep interest in foundational questions in neuroscience or biological systems

Experience building models constrained by or fit to experimental data

Experience collaborating with experimentalists

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 working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. 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.

TravelAttendance 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$87,450 - $108,250

* Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with 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 the following link to the Benefits Guide:

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.