SUMMARY:

The Research Assistant I will focus on cutting-edge research in computational and behavioral neuroscience through the development and implementation of systems for performing neuromechanical simulations. The Research Assistant I will have the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, utilizing the latest technologies to extract quantitative measures of unrestrained behavioral kinematics, develop physics-based models of biomechanics, and develop simulated agents that behave like real animals. Working closely with software engineers, computer scientists and neuroscientists, they will implement simulation pipelines to train deep neural network models for control using deep reinforcement learning. Simultaneously, working closely with neurobiologists, they will implement models of neural circuit architectures and computations that will drive the simulated agents. Competitive candidates for this position will have strong experience with Python-based data analysis, a strong interest in behavior and neuroscience, and an eagerness to learn the computational and analytical techniques required to conduct this research

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Carries out tasks pertaining to data annotation, and development and implementation of computational pipelines in Python.
• Carries out software engineering tasks related to implementing computational pipelines.
• Carries out guided studies of the biomechanics of movement and their instantiation in physics simulations.
• Carries out guided data analysis tasks to extract and visualize patterns from high-dimensional and large-scale behavioral data.
• Participates in team meetings to discuss project progress.
• May coordinate with other Salk labs.
• May assist with supervision of undergraduate students and other lab members.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• No professional experience required.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, mechanical engineering, or related field
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office
• Preferred:
  • Minimum of 1 year of related experience and/or training in a laboratory environment.
  • Computer skills preferred: Python, Jupyter Lab, Numby, Scipy, Matplotlib, Pandas

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community - Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone’s ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence, and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

COMPETENCIES:

• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics

The expected pay range for this position is $18.03-$21.00 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Occasionally required to taste or smell
• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts
• Frequently work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Frequently exposure to outside weather conditions
• Occasionally exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 20 pounds / frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds / continually lift and/or move up to 5 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.