The Department of Ophthalmology in the School of Medicine at Stanford University is launching an interdisciplinary Neuro-AI project dedicated to building a foundation model of the brain. This endeavor will involve multiple labs and faculty across the Stanford campus, including the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford Bio-X, and the Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Institute. Leveraging cutting-edge advances in electrophysiology and machine learning, this project aims to create a functional "digital twin" — a model that captures both the activity dynamics of the brain at cellular resolution and the intelligent behavior it generates, including perception, motor planning, learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
This ambitious initiative promises to offer unprecedented insights into the brain's algorithms of perception and cognition while serving as a key resource for aligning artificial intelligence models with human-like neural representations. As part of this project, we are seeking talented systems engineers with extensive experience in large scale data and compute clusters. As a Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, deploying, and maintaining the compute infrastructure that supports our machine learning and data pipeline operations.
This position promises a vibrant and cooperative atmosphere within the laboratories of Andreas Tolias (https://toliaslab.org), Tirin Moore (https://www.moorelabstanford.com) and other labs at Stanford University renowned for their expertise in perception, cognition, pioneering neural recording techniques, computational neuroscience, machine learning, and Neuro-AI research.
Duties include:
- Design and develop complex and specialized equipment, instruments, or systems; coordinate detailed phases of work related to responsibility for part of a major project or for an entire project of moderate scope.
- Develop technical and methodological solutions to complex engineering/scientific problems requiring independent analytical thinking and advanced knowledge.
- Develop creative new or improved equipment, materials, technologies, processes, methods, or software important to the advancement of the field.
- Contribute technical expertise, and perform basic research and development in support of programs/projects; act as advisor/consultant in area of specialty.
- Contribute to portions of published articles or presentations; prepare and write reports; draft and prepare scientific papers.
- Provide technical direction to other research staff, engineering associates, technicians, and/or students, as needed.
- * - Other duties may also be assigned
What we offer:
- Work on a collaborative and uniquely positioned project spanning several disciplines, from neuroscience to artificial intelligence and engineering.
- Work jointly with a vibrant team of researchers and scientists in a project dedicated to one mission, rooted in academia but inspired by science in industry.
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Strong mentoring in career development.
Application:
In addition to completing the application, please send your CV and one page interest statement to: recruiting@enigmaproject.ai
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 3+ years of experience in designing, managing and running large-scale compute infrastructure in the context of machine learning.
- Experience with containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration platforms like Kubernetes or SLURM.
- Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
- Strong knowledge of Linux/Unix systems administration.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
- Familiarity with modern distributed big data tools and pipelines such as Apache Spark, Arrow, Airflow, Delta Lake, or similar.
- Familiarity with machine learning frameworks like PyTorch or JAX.
- In-depth experience with cloud computing resources.
- Thorough knowledge of GPU-based HPCs in the context of machine learning.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- Thorough knowledge of the principles of engineering and related natural sciences.
- Demonstrated project management experience.
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
- Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
- Occasionally stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp forcefully.
- Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- May be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80dB TWA, Allergens/Biohazards/Chemicals /Asbestos, confined spaces, working at heights ?10 feet, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime and/or inclement weather.
- May require travel.
