Logo for Astera Institute

Research Scientist/Engineer

Roles & Responsibilities

  • PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Physics, or a related quantitative field
  • Strong foundations in deep learning, graphical models, and information theory
  • Expert-level skills in deep learning frameworks (PyTorch/JAX) with a focus on clean, reproducible research code
  • Demonstrated interest in the big questions of AI—robustness, generalization, and common-sense reasoning

Requirements:

  • Fundamental research on brain-like world models: Develop and implement new architectures and learning algorithms for neuroscience-based world models, drawing on insights from deep learning, causality, probabilistic and energy-based models, and biologically inspired architectures.
  • Scientific Discovery: Design experiments to test hypotheses regarding high-level cognition, causal representations, sensory-motor integration, active inference, and unsupervised learning.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside neuroscientists and software engineers to translate abstract mathematical frameworks into scalable systems.
  • Contribute to open science: Help innovate new publication models that incentivize speedy dissemination, open source code releases, free open access, and impact measurements based on uptake.

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking brilliant, unconventional thinkers to join us. In this role, you will not be chasing incremental gains on standard benchmarks. Instead, you will be tasked with developing the foundational principles of Artificial General Intelligence. We believe that understanding the "code of the brain" is the most viable path to building truly intelligent machines, and we are looking for scientists who can bridge the gap between biological intelligence, computational theory, and building at scale.

Core Responsibilities

  • Fundamental research on brain-like world models: Develop and implement new architectures and learning algorithms for neuroscience-based world models. You will draw up on insights from deep learning, causality, probabilistic and energy based models, and biologically inspired architectures.

  • Scientific Discovery: Design experiments to test hypotheses regarding high-level cognition, causal representations, sensory-motor integration, active inference, and unsupervised learning.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside neuroscientists and software engineers to translate abstract mathematical frameworks into scalable systems.

  • Contribute to open science: Help innovate new publication models that incentivize speedy dissemination, open source code releases, free open access, and impact measurements based on uptake.

Desired Qualifications

  • Technical Depth: Preferred: PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Physics, or a related quantitative field. We are always open to considering exceptional candidates, even those with non-traditional educational histories.

  • Theoretical Rigor: Strong foundations in deep learning, graphical models, and information theory.

  • Coding Proficiency: Expert-level skills in deep learning frameworks (PyTorch/JAX), with a focus on clean, reproducible research code.

  • AGI Mindset: A demonstrated interest in the "big questions" of AI—robustness, generalization, and common-sense reasoning.

  • Curious about the brain: A genuine passion for exploring the computational and architectural principles of the mammalian brain.

  • Startup DNA: Ability to thrive in a lean, fast-paced environment where you have high autonomy and a direct influence on research direction.

Why Join Us?

  • We recognize the need for fundamental research: No pressure to align research with quarterly revenue goals, market competition, or product roadmaps. We can focus on solving the core problems and achieving breakthroughs that enable the next generation of AGI technology.

  • Mission-First: Your work contributes directly to the global pool of knowledge and the safe development of AGI.

  • Collaborative culture: We work in teams, organized around challenge problems and attack paths, without big-company inertia or politics.

Related jobs

Other jobs at Astera Institute

We help you get seen. Not ignored.

We help you get seen faster — by the right people.

🚀

Auto-Apply

We apply for you — automatically and instantly.

Save time, skip forms, and stay on top of every opportunity. Because you can't get seen if you're not in the race.

AI Match Feedback

Know your real match before you apply.

Get a detailed AI assessment of your profile against each job posting. Because getting seen starts with passing the filters.

Upgrade to Premium. Apply smarter and get noticed.

Upgrade to Premium

Join thousands of professionals who got noticed and hired faster.