Scientist I - Computation through Dynamics

Scientist I – Computation through Dynamics

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 lead the analysis of large-scale neural population recordings collected during flexible decision-making tasks. These datasets include spike trains from thousands of neurons recorded simultaneously across multiple brain regions, providing a unique 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 interface of large-scale physiology, behavior, and theory. This position will require good communication with experimentalists leveraging state-of-the-art 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 behaviors, and to generate insights that inform downstream computational modeling work and new experiments.

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.

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 to the external community, via conferences and publications
• Engage deeply with current literature, including ~quarterly presentations in the theory journal club

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, 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 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: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

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.