Job Description

The Andreas Tolias Lab at Stanford University is seeking an exceptional neuroscientist or cognitive scientist—at the postdoctoral or senior research scientist level—to join the newly launched  Simons Collaboration on Ecological Neuroscience (SCENE)  

SCENE is a 10‑year, USD 80 million initiative funded by the Simons Foundation that aims to uncover how opportunities for action ("affordances") shape neural representations, perception, and behaviour.

Why this position?

You will sit at the centre of a uniquely cross‑disciplinary team and work closely a network of collaborators at the interface of experimental and computational Neuroscience and Machine Learning and AI

• Kimberly Stachenfeld — Columbia University & Google DeepMind @Kimberly Stachenfeld
• Jan Zimmermann — University of Minnesota @Jan Zimmermann
• Aaron Batista — University of Pittsburgh
• A strong consortium of additional theorists and experimentalists working across species as part of SCENE

The Tolias Lab fuses large‑scale systems neuroscience with machine learning and AI to derive principled models of cortical computation. Our newly refurbished primate facility, state‑of‑the‑art Neuropixels rigs, and high‑performance computing cluster offer an unmatched playground for ambitious science.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyse high‑density electrophysiological recordings (e.g., Neuropixels) in awake, behaving macaques.

• Lead or contribute to cognitive and behavioural experiments in non‑human primates that probe affordance‑driven decisions.

• Develop computational and theoretical models that bridge neural data and behaviour, leveraging modern machine‑learning toolkits.

• Drive multi‑lab collaborations across SCENE; co‑author high‑impact manuscripts and present at international conferences.

• Mentor junior scientists and help shape the intellectual culture of the lab.

What We’re Looking For

• PhD or equivalent in Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.

• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following: – Large‑scale macaque electrophysiology (ideally Neuropixels) – Cognitive & behavioural paradigms in primates or humans – Theoretical neuroscience, machine learning, or AI

• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent data‑analysis frameworks.

• A passion for big‑picture questions, open science, and collaborative adventure.

Position Details

• Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.

• Position type: Full‑time; open to candidates from recent PhD graduates to established senior researchers.

• Start date: July 2025; applications reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. • Salary and benefits: Competitive and commensurate with experience; full Stanford benefits included.

How to Apply Please send a single PDF containing:

1. A cover letter describing your research interests, how they align with SCENE, and why you are excited about this role (max 2 pages).
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Up to two representative publications.
4. Names and contact information of three references.

Email your application to scene.job.application@gmail.com with the subject line “SCENE Postdoc/Senior Research Scientist Application – [Your Last Name].

Informal inquiries are welcome and can be directed to Camila Lopez (camilal@stanford.edu)

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