About Astera
Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.
Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here.
Position Summary
Astera Institute is seeking a Computational Neuroscience Intern to help analyze large-scale connectome and neurophysiology datasets and develop computational models of neural circuits and brain function. This role is ideal for students or early-career researchers interested in combining neuroscience, data analysis, and scientific computing.
Responsibilities
Process and analyze neurophysiology data such as electrophysiology, calcium imaging, or spike train recordings
Analyze connectomics datasets, including neuronal connectivity graphs and anatomical reconstructions
Develop computational models of neural circuits and network dynamics
Implement data analysis pipelines and visualization tools
Collaborate with researchers to interpret experimental data and generate hypotheses
Contribute to documentation, reproducible workflows, and scientific reports
Qualifications and Experience
Experience programming in Python and Matlab
Familiarity with scientific computing libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar tools
Basic understanding of neuroscience concepts, neural systems, or computational modeling
Experience working with data analysis, statistics, or machine learning workflows
Ability to work independently and communicate technical findings clearly
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with connectomics or neurophysiology datasets
Knowledge of computational neuroscience frameworks or simulators (e.g., NEST, Brian, NEURON)
Experience with machine learning or dynamical systems modeling
C++ programming experience is a strong bonus
Familiarity with Linux, Git, and high-performance computing environments
Nice to Have Areas of Interest
Neural circuit modeling
Vision neuroscience
Synaptic plasticity and learning
Large-scale brain simulations
Data-driven modeling of neural systems
Education
Pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computational Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
Location
This position is hybrid at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may occasionally be required for collaboration and team events.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.
Compensation
The posted wage range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location.
Cultural Alignment
Surprising problem-solver – you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints.
Flexible by default – you don't draw hard lines around your job description and expect your role to evolve significantly over 6–12 months.
Bias to action – you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans, and you're energized by novel problems.
High standards, internally driven – you believe you can build the world's best vehicle for unleashing extraordinary individuals to create public goods, and you hold yourself to that bar without benchmarking against others.
Open to feedback – You create opportunities to give and receive honest feedback, staying focused on both personal and team growth, and committing to transparency even when it’s uncomfortable.
Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship -- you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.
Embrace the tools that define great work today – Astera is building for an AI-driven future and equips the team accordingly. We see these as genuine force multipliers, not optional extras, and we expect our people to use them.