Scientist – Computation Dynamics

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The neural dynamics accelerator at Allen Institute (a/ND) is focused on foundational neuroscience. We are interested in how the brain builds our understanding of the complex world to guide the flexible behaviors that address our biological needs. The answers will be in terms of the algorithms implemented by circuits interacting across the whole brain and body. We develop experimental and theoretical methods and employ a team-based approach for discovery neuroscience.

Knowledge, data, models, and tools will be widely shared, in part to support the development of therapies for brain disorders.

a/ND is seeking 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.

• 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.

• 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

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

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

• 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…