Senior Research Scientist
Quick answer
Astera Institute is hiring a Senior Research Scientist to conduct foundational AI safety research and develop theories of intelligence within the Simplex team.
- Role
- Senior Research Scientist
- Organization
- Astera Institute (Simplex Team)
- Level
- Senior
- Category
- Research & Evaluation
The role
Simplex, a program under the Astera Institute, is conducting foundational research into the mathematical theory of intelligence within neural networks. The team aims to develop rigorous, experimentally verified theories of latent internal structures in LLMs and biological systems to advance AI safety and understanding. This role involves deep quantitative research, combining theoretical work with empirical experiments to push the boundaries of current AI models. The organization operates as a high-risk, high-reward research startup, seeking individuals capable of self-directed, rigorous intellectual inquiry.
What you'll do
- Develop and apply a rigorous theory of latent internal structure in neural networks.
- Design and execute experiments to verify theories in real LLMs and biological brain data.
- Collaborate on identifying internal structures that encode world models.
- Formulate research directions and pursue independent ideas within the broader program.
- Communicate complex technical concepts to collaborators via writing and whiteboarding.
What it takes
- Depth in at least one quantitative field such as physics, mathematics, or neuroscience.
- Extensive experience in machine learning and interpretability.
- Strong ability to move naturally between theoretical frameworks and experimental execution.
- Self-directed work style with a track record of meaningful technical contributions.
- PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant technical field.
What you'll bring
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
The role focuses on building a scientific theory of intelligence by analyzing internal structures in neural networks, specifically targeting AI safety and the understanding of neural representations.
What kind of background are you looking for?
We seek candidates with deep expertise in quantitative fields like physics, math, CS, or neuroscience who have extensive machine learning experience and a proven ability to perform rigorous, self-directed research.
Is a PhD required?
A PhD is typical, but not strictly required; we encourage candidates with equivalent depth, unconventional backgrounds, or unusual research paths to apply.
Is the compensation information available?
The job posting does not explicitly specify the compensation for this role.
How to apply
Apply directly on Astera Institute (Simplex Team)'s site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.
This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on Astera Institute (Simplex Team)'s official posting before applying.