Senior Research Assistant - Allen Discovery Center, Biology

The Allen Discovery Center is dedicated to the advancement of basic biology and biomedicine, and to using an integrated approach to control biological structure and function. Through a combination of molecular genetics, biophysics, and computational approaches, researchers at the Center work toward multi-level control of patterning. Novel technology is being developed to modulate the bioelectric communication that enables cells to coordinate their activities toward specific anatomical and functional outcomes. Applications in progress include the repair of birth defects, regenerative medicine, cancer reprogramming, and synthetic biology.

This position is a one-year limited term with the possibility of renewal pending performance and available funding.

The Senior Research Assistant will support a DARPA-funded research initiative exploring the computational capabilities of embodied neural cultures through advanced virtual environments. This role will focus on computational neuroscience and software engineering to help expand and refine the platform, a closed-loop training interface for neural recordings. Working closely with the PI and the broader team at the Allen Discovery Center, the Senior Research Asisstant will:

• Develop, test, and maintain software to train neural networks in silico, analyze large-scale electrophysiological datasets
• Contribute to experimental design and interpretation.

This position does not require bench experience, though tissue culture experience is a plus. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in computational neuroscience, neural modeling, or systems engineering.

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by a Master's degree in computer science, neuroscience, engineering, or a related field and at least 5 years of academic or industry research experience
• Proficiency in Python and C++
• Experience working with large, complex codebases
• Strong background in data analysis and scientific computing

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in computational neuroscience or neural data analysis

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

May work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials, human/animal tissue and fluids, radiation.