Modeling/Interpretability Research Scientist (1 Year Fixed Term)

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 and deploy scalable pipelines 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 & Responsibilities:
• Design and implement scalable pipelines for mechanistic interpretability analyses of large neural networks
• Develop and automate feature visualization techniques to understand neural representations
• Build tools for circuit discovery and geometric analysis of population activity
• Create efficient, reproducible analysis workflows that can handle large-scale neural data
• Collaborate with neuroscientists and ML researchers to design and implement novel interpretability methods
• Maintain and optimize distributed computing infrastructure for running interpretability analyses
• Document and share findings through technical reports and visualization tools
• * - Other duties may also be assigned


What we offer:
• An environment in which to pursue fundamental research questions in AI and neuroscience
• A vibrant team of engineers and scientists in a project dedicated to one mission, rooted in academia but inspired by science in industry.
• Access to unique datasets spanning artificial and biological neural networks
• State-of-the-art computing infrastructure
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Collaborative environment at the intersection of multiple disciplines
• Location at Stanford University with access to its world-class research community
• Strong mentoring in career development.


Application:
In addition to applying to the position, please send your CV and one-page interest statement to: [email protected]

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:


Key qualifications:
Master's degree in Computer Science or related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, OR Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of relevant industry experience
Strong understanding of mechanistic interpretability techniques and research literature
Expertise in implementing and scaling ML analysis pipelines
Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks (i.e. PyTorch)
Experience with distributed computing and high-performance computing clusters
Strong software engineering practices including version control, testing, and documentation
Familiarity with visualization tools and techniques for high-dimensional data


Preferred qualifications:
Experience with feature visualization techniques (e.g., activation maximization, attribution methods)
Knowledge of geometric methods for analyzing neural population activity
Familiarity with circuit discovery techniques in neural networks
Experience with large-scale data processing frameworks
Background in neuroscience or computational neuroscience
Contributions to open-source ML or interpretability tools
Experience with ML experiment tracking platforms (W&B, MLflow)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):


Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of engineering and related natural sciences.
• Demonstrated project management experience.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:


None

PHYSICAL 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 CONDITIONS:


• May 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 $126,810 to $151,461 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.