Research Scientist - Interpretability (1 Year Fixed ...

Research Scientist - Interpretability (1 Year Fixed Term)Join to apply for the Research Scientist - Interpretability (1 Year Fixed Term) role at Stanford University School of MedicineResearch Scientist - Interpretability (1 Year Fixed Term)1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Research Scientist - Interpretability (1 Year Fixed Term) role at Stanford University School of MedicineGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.The Enigma Project (enigmaproject.ai) is a research organization based in the Department of Ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine dedicated to understanding the computational principles of natural intelligence using the tools of artificial intelligence. Leveraging recent advances in neurotechnology and machine learning, this project aims to create a foundation model of the brain, capturing the relationship between perception, cognition, behavior, and the activity dynamics of the brain. This ambitious initiative promises to offer unprecedented insights into the algorithms of the brain while serving as a key resource for aligning artificial intelligence models with human-like neural representations.As part of this project, we seek talented individuals specializing in mechanistic interpretability to develop novel methods and scalable systems for analyzing and interpreting these models, helping us understand how the brain represents and processes information. The role combines rigorous engineering practices with cutting-edge research in model interpretability, working at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence.Role & ResponsibilitiesLead research initiatives in the mechanistic interpretability of foundation models of the brainDevelop novel theoretical frameworks and methods for understanding neural representationsDesign and guide interpretability studies that bridge artificial and biological neural networksAdvanced techniques for circuit discovery, feature visualization, and geometric analysis of high-dimensional neural dataCollaborate with neuroscientists to connect interpretability findings with biological principlesMentor junior researchers and engineers in interpretability methodsHelp shape the research agenda of the interpretability team* - Other duties may also be assignedWhat We OfferAn environment in which to pursue fundamental research questions in AI and neuroscience interpretabilityAccess to unique datasets spanning artificial and biological neural networksState-of-the-art computing infrastructureCompetitive salary and benefits packageCollaborative environment at the intersection of multiple disciplinesLocation at Stanford University with access to its world-class research communityApplication: In addition to applying to the position, please send your CV and one page interest statement to: job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory for all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.Desired QualificationsPh.D. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience, or related field plus 2+ years post-Ph.D. research experienceAt least 2+ years of practical experience in training, fine-tuning, and using multi-modal deep learning modelsStrong publication record in top-tier machine learning conferences and journals, particularly in areas related to multi-modal modelingStrong programming skills in Python and deep learning frameworksDemonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor othersAbility to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environmentPreferred QualificationsBackground in theoretical neuroscience or computational neuroscienceExperience in processing and analyzing large-scale, high-dimensional data of different sourcesExperience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and their machine learning servicesFamiliarity with big data and MLOps platforms (e.g. MLflow, Weights & Biases)Familiarity with training, fine tuning, and quantization of LLMs or multimodal models using common techniques and frameworks (LoRA, PEFT, AWQ, GPTQ, or similar)Experience with large-scale distributed model training frameworks (e.g. Ray, DeepSpeed, HF Accelerate, FSDP)Education & Experience (required)Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (required)Expert knowledge of the principles of engineering and related natural sciences.Demonstrated project leadership experience.Demonstrated experience leading and/or managing technical professionals.Certifications & LicensesNonePHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds. Occasionally stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp forcefully.Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.Working ConditionsMay be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80dB TWA, Allergens/Biohazards/Chemicals /Asbestos, confined spaces, working at heights 10 feet, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime and/or inclement weather.May require travel.The expected pay range for this position is $156,560 to $180,039 annually.Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Seniority levelSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionOtherIndustriesHigher EducationReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Stanford University School of Medicine by 2xSign in to set job alerts for “Research Scientist” roles.Life Sciences Research Assistant – Stem Cell Biology and NeuroscienceSan Mateo, CA $125,000.00-$150,000.00 1 week agoSan Jose, CA $160,000.00-$220,000.00 2 days agoScientist 1/2/Senior Scientist, Analytical DevelopmentBioscience Research Scientist / AssociateMachine Learning Research Scientist / Research Engineer, LLM EvaluationHayward, CA $85,000.00-$100,000.00 4 days agoMountain View, CA $141,600.00-$194,650.00 2 weeks agoMountain View, CA $166,000.00-$244,000.00 2 weeks agoMilpitas, CA $130,400.00-$221,700.00 2 weeks agoSunnyvale, CA $150,400.00-$260,000.00 58 minutes agoSenior Scientist I, Biologics Drug Substance Development (Cell Culture Development)Sunnyvale, CA $87,000.00-$131,000.00 1 week agoPrincipal/Senior Scientist, Analytical ScienceSan Francisco Bay Area $55.00-$65.00 3 weeks agoSouth San Francisco, CA $170,000.00-$200,000.00 1 month agoComputational Chemist, Computer-Aided Drug DesignRedwood City, CA $150,000.00-$190,000.00 1 day agoResearch Scientist (3-Year Fixed-Term), Emergency Medicine (U.S. - Flexible Work Location)Stanford, CA $120,000.00-$150,000.00 3 weeks agoResearch Scientist (3-Year Fixed-Term), Emergency Medicine (U.S. - Flexible Work Location)Stanford, CA $120,000.00-$150,000.00 1 month agoDirector, Analytical Sciences, Drug ProductMountain View, CA $117,000.00-$160,850.00 1 week agoPhysicist: Research Scientist Position (Onsite Opportunity)Stanford, CA $70,000.00-$99,000.00 4 months agoSouth San Francisco, CA $156,000.00-$296,500.00 2 weeks agoSenior Principal Research Scientist, Analytical ChemistrySouth San Francisco, CA $156,000.00-$296,500.00 2 weeks agoSenior Scientist I - CMC BioProcess Purification DevelopmentSouth San Francisco, CA $94,000.00-$178,500.00 2 weeks agoRedwood City, CA $125,000.00-$135,000.00 2 days agoWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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Created: 2025-09-17