Postbaccalaureate Research Assistant - Data Driven Discovery / Neuroai In Reinforcement Learning

Postbaccalaureate Research Assistant - Data Driven Discovery /NeuroAI in Reinforcement Learning
The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.
We are seeking a Postbaccalaureate Research Assistant (postbac) to work at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Neuroscience, with a focus on Reinforcement Learning (RL) and decision-making. The project will seek to answer questions about the brain and behavior, as well as taking advantage of our neuroscience knowledge to further improve AI algorithms. The project consists of two main parts: (1) AI for the analysis of behavioral and neural data (AI for neuroscience), and (2) the development of neural networks based on our knowledge of the brain (Neuroscience for AI).
For the first part, the Postbaccalaureate Research Assistant would investigate deep reinforcement learning networks tested on environments and tasks similar to ones used in neuroscience experiments. The objective of this part is to test whether the same computational phenomena observed in neuroscience experiments, also emerge in these networks. These analyses include both qualitative comparisons based on reviewing the literature, and quantitative fits applied directly to the neural data sets.
In the second part the postbac will design a new deep RL network based on our knowledge of the brain. We aim to look at the performance of the agent in ethologically relevant scenarios to most animals, where the agent deals with various entities such as food, predators, and shelter.
The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences, and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.
Educational Objectives

• Learn fundamental concepts, questions, and methods in NeuroAI research
• Become familiar with reinforcement learning literature and concepts
• Gain collaboration experience with experimentalists who study decision-making and learning

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated commitment to science

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of programming

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Completed a bachelor's degree (or will have completed by the start of the program) and does not have an advanced degree in the role's relevant STEM field
• Must be able to start on either June 3rd or June 17th, 2024, and commit to the full one-year program
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. for the program duration
• Must be 18 years of age or older

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation and housing assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity requires U.S work authorization and does not sponsor work visas**

Annualized Salary

• $57,657.60 (non-negotiable)

Benefits

• Postbacs (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute's Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute's 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute's benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.