Scientist I – Neural Circuits Theory

Allen Institute

. Develop mechanistic models of many interacting neurons fit directly to connectivity and neural activity data .

Posted 9/28/2026full-timeSeattle • Washington • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $87,450 - $108,250 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing mechanistic models of neural dynamics and theories of collective dynamics, with strong scientific-computing skills and familiarity with machine learning. Proven ability to collaborate with experimentalists and communicate findings effectively through publications and presentations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In NeuroscienceScientific Computing SkillsModel DevelopmentCollaboration With ExperimentalistsMachine Learning Familiarity

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanistic ModelingData FittingTheoretical DevelopmentNeural Dynamics CharacterizationExperimental Data Analysis

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Large-Scale Connectivity AtlasesBrain-Wide RecordingsSpike TrainsLab Equipment

Industry Keywords

NeuroscienceCollective DynamicsBiological SystemsExperimental DataNational And International Conferences

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop mechanistic models of many interacting neurons fit directly to connectivity and neural activity data
Derive coarse-grained descriptions of models to identify connectivity features governing neural dynamics
Characterize models consistent with datasets and determine how connectivity constrains them
Develop theories explaining how perturbations narrow the model space
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
Use large-scale connectivity atlases, brain-wide recordings, spike trains, and targeted activity perturbations to study neural computation and flexible behavior

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Familiarity with modern machine learning
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
Attendance and participation in national and international conferences required
Ability to work onsite for the majority of working hours in Washington State
Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Basic life insurance
401(k) plan
Paid time off
Relocation assistance
Work visa sponsorship may be offered
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities