Assistant Project Scientist Control Theory Theoretical Neuroscience

Assistant Project Scientist Control Theory for Theoretical Neuroscience

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist

Salary range: UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. A reasonable full-time estimate for this position is $79,400 to $92,200.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Summer 2026

Position duration: Initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.

The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant Project Scientist rank in the Bouchard Lab, in the area of control theory for theoretical neuroscience. The Bouchard lab at LBNL/UC Berkeley is an interdisciplinary team that focuses on understanding how distributed neural circuits give rise to coordinated behaviors and perceptions. We are looking for an Assistant Project Scientist to work at the interface of control theory, information theory, dynamical systems, statistical machine learning, and neural time-series data.

The goal is to better understand principles and mechanisms underlying distributed brain network computations through the dual lenses of control theory and information theory. This position will focus on developing and applying theory, models, and methods that provide principled understanding of simultaneous multi-region, high-dimensional neural population dynamics from diverse brain areas.

The position is located at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and is part of a broader collaborative effort between UCSF, LBNL, UCB, and UC Davis. This Bay Area collaboration combines UCSF/UCD's strong clinical and experimental neuroscience experience with in vivo cortical electrophysiology, UCB's expertise in theoretical neuroscience, statistical learning and data analysis, LBNL's supercomputing and applied mathematics, together with electronics and micro‑fabrication.

Successful applicants will have access to the full range of facilities and expertise uniquely allowed by this collaboration.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD degree program

Additional qualifications (required at start)

• Minimum of four years of postdoctoral research experience

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in control theory, information theory, and/or machine learning
• Expertise in theoretical neuroscience
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals
• PhD in neuroscience, computer science, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, etc.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement – discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. Optional.

Reference requirements

• 3 references (contact information only)

Berkeley, CA

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. All members of the UC Berkeley community have a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment.