Research Scientist - Computational Neuroscience

About the Organization

Astera is a private foundation focused on directing science and technology toward a future of abundance. The organization expects the next few years to bring major breakthroughs as AI advances combine with progress in other scientific fields, creating a strong opportunity to redesign the institutions, systems, and tools that support scientific discovery.

Rather than operating like a conventional nonprofit research body, Astera backs projects that function more like fast-moving startups. This approach is intended to support ambitious goals, align structure with the problem at hand, and bring in exceptional technical and leadership talent.

Role Overview

Astera Institute is looking for a Research Scientist in Computational Neuroscience to build computational models of neural circuits and brain function.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, interpret, and integrate research across neuroscience, cognitive science, and computational neuroscience.
• Create biologically realistic computational models for neural circuits, brain regions, and larger brain systems.
• Test model outputs against experimental evidence and improve the models based on results.
• Design new algorithms inspired by how biological neural systems compute.
• Work with large neural and behavioral datasets to guide and assess modeling work.
• Keep up to date with developments in neuroscience, machine learning, and computational modeling.
• Identify and pursue original research ideas that deepen understanding of brain computation.
• Contribute new theories, models, and scientific insights to the field of computational neuroscience.
• Record findings clearly and share results through technical documentation, papers, and presentations.

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on programming experience in Python.
• Working knowledge of scientific computing tools such as JAX, PyTorch, NumPy, SciPy, or similar libraries.
• Research background in systems neuroscience, computational neuroscience, or theoretical neuroscience.
• Experience using data analysis, statistics, or machine learning workflows.
• Ability to work independently and present technical ideas clearly.

Preferred Experience

• Background in machine learning or dynamical systems modeling.
• C++ experience is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with Linux, Git, and high-performance computing environments.

Areas of Interest

• Modeling neural circuits.
• Synaptic plasticity and learning.
• Large-scale simulations of brain activity.
• Data-driven approaches to neural system modeling.
• Interest in wet-lab experiments for generating data or validating theory.

Education

A Ph.D. or equivalent level of demonstrated expertise is required in Computational Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.

Location and Work Arrangement

This role may be remote, hybrid, or onsite at the Emeryville, CA office. Occasional travel may be needed for collaboration and team events.

Compensation

The wage range posted for the Bay Area is $90,000 to $200,000. The final offer will be competitive and adjusted based on experience and location.

Benefits

A benefits summary is mentioned, though no detailed benefits list is provided in the source.

Cultural Fit

• Be a resourceful problem-solver who finds unexpected solutions and sees possibilities in constraints.
• Stay flexible and expect the role to evolve over the next 6 to 12 months.
• Prefer action and iteration over waiting for perfect plans.
• Hold yourself to very high standards without comparing progress to others.
• Be open to giving and receiving candid feedback and value transparency.
• Operate with strong integrity, judgment, and stewardship while respecting the time and contributions of others.
• Use modern AI-powered tools as essential productivity multipliers.
• Treat theories as unproven until they are validated through data and rigorous scientific method.