Research Scientist - Interpretability (1 Year Fixed Term)

Research Scientist - Interpretability (1 Year Fixed Term)

Research Scientist - Interpretability (1 Year Fixed Term)

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United StatesResearchJul 16, 2025 Post Date106887 Requisition #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 & Responsibilities
Lead research initiatives in the mechanistic interpretability of foundation models of the brain
Develop novel theoretical frameworks and methods for understanding neural representations
Design and guide interpretability studies that bridge artificial and biological neural networks
Advanced techniques for circuit discovery, feature visualization, and geometric analysis of high-dimensional neural data
Collaborate with neuroscientists to connect interpretability findings with biological principles
Mentor junior researchers and engineers in interpretability methods
Help shape the research agenda of the interpretability team

• - Other duties may also be assigned
  

What we offer:
An environment in which to pursue fundamental research questions in AI and neuroscience interpretability
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
Application
In addition to applying to the position, please send your CV and one page interest statement to:

• The 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 Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience, or related field plus 2+ years post-Ph.D. research experience
At least 2+ years of practical experience in training, fine-tuning, and using multi-modal deep learning models
Strong publication record in top-tier machine learning conferences and journals, particularly in areas related to multi-modal modeling
Strong programming skills in Python and deep learning frameworks
Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor others
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environmentPreferred Qualifications:
Background in theoretical neuroscience or computational neuroscience
Experience in processing and analyzing large-scale, high-dimensional data of different sources
Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and their machine learning services
Familiarity 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 & 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 $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.
Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4982
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: K
• Requisition ID: 106887
• Work Arrangement : On Site

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Online Audio and Video Media

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Inside Higher Ed by 2x

Get notified about new Research Scientist jobs in Stanford, CA .

Life Sciences Research Assistant – Stem Cell Biology and Neuroscience

Principal Clinical Research Scientist # 4365

Newark, CA $150,000.00-$175,000.00 2 weeks ago

Fremont, CA $15,000.00-$250,000.00 6 days ago

San Mateo, CA $145,000.00-$175,000.00 1 day ago

Milpitas, CA $125,000.00-$150,000.00 1 day ago

Scientist/Senior Scientist, Analytical Chemistry

San Mateo County, CA $75.00-$85.00 3 weeks ago

Hayward, CA $125,000.00-$145,000.00 1 week ago

Scientist 1/2/Senior Scientist, Analytical Development

Milpitas, CA $130,400.00-$221,700.00 4 days ago

Senior Scientist I, Biologics Drug Substance Development (Cell Culture Development)

South San Francisco, CA $94,000.00-$178,500.00 2 weeks ago

Bioscience Research Scientist / Associate

South San Francisco, CA $150,000.00-$220,000.00 5 days ago

Sunnyvale, CA $87,000.00-$131,000.00 1 month ago

Principal/Senior Scientist, Analytical Science

Senior Scientist, Assay Development - Precision-Cut Tissue Slices, Molecular, Cell-Based, and Histology

San Francisco Bay Area $135,000.00-$180,000.00 2 weeks ago

Computational Chemist, Computer-Aided Drug Design

Redwood City, CA $150,000.00-$190,000.00 4 weeks ago

Palo Alto, CA $121,250.00-$150,000.00 2 weeks ago

Senior Scientist I, Cell/Molecular Biology - Cell Line Development

South San Francisco, CA $94,000.00-$178,500.00 2 weeks ago

Research Scientist (3-Year Fixed-Term), Emergency Medicine (U.S. - Flexible Work Location)

Stanford, CA $120,000.00-$150,000.00 1 month ago

OBA Research Scientist/Engineer – Fusion Energy Systems

Fremont, CA $200,000.00-$350,000.00 1 week ago

Senior/Staff Scientist , NGS Assay Development

Pleasanton, CA $120,000.00-$150,000.00 2 weeks ago

Research Scientist (3-Year Fixed-Term), Emergency Medicine (U.S. - Flexible Work Location)

Stanford, CA $120,000.00-$150,000.00 1 month ago

Senior/Staff Scientist , NGS Assay Development

Pleasanton, CA $120,000.00-$150,000.00 2 weeks ago

Physicist: Research Scientist Position (Onsite Opportunity)

Stanford, CA $70,000.00-$99,000.00 5 months ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr