Software Engineer I- Moore Lab

Primary Work Address: Beckman Center, Stanford, CA, 94305-5323

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The laboratory of Professor Tirin Moore at Stanford University is seeking a Software Engineer. The Moore lab seeks to understand the neural circuits underlying fundamental perceptual and cognitive functions. Moore and his team study the activity of large populations of single neurons in visual and motor structures within the brain. They test how perturbing that activity affects neurons in other brain structures, as well as how it affects the perceptual, cognitive, and motor performance of behaving animals. In addition, the team is committed to developing and implementing novel and innovative approaches to fundamental problems systems and circuit-level neuroscience. For more information about the lab check out:  https://www.moorelabstanford.com/ .

About the role:

The role will be in-person with hybrid flexibility and is a perfect opportunity for someone looking for a 1-year, fixed-term project. We are looking for a software engineer to develop features for a real-time neural data processing tool and decoder. The tool is based in C++ and based on a hardware platform consisting of NVIDIA GPUs. The neural data processing code is based in CUDA.

“We encourage qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States to apply. Please note we are not able to sponsor a visa (including but not limited to STEM OPT Extension) for this position at this time.”

What we provide:

• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment where all members of the group help each other.

• Opportunity for growth as a software developer in areas such as CUDA programming, analysis of neural data, machine learning model applications, and real-time applications

• Opportunities to learn more about systems neuroscience and neurophysiology

• One on one mentorship with graduate students and postdocs

• Understanding of project management and system level design of an experimental computer application

• Experimental experience with electrophysiological tools, and neurophysiological data such as neuronal spiking activity, local field potentials, and eye tracking

• A team culture that champions a healthy work life balance

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits

• Potential opportunities for involvement in authoring research articles and development of scientific communication skills

What you’ll do:

• Write good code, which means learning to make implementation decisions based on (a) understanding the software development lifecycle, spanning customer requirements, planning, design, prototyping, agile feedback, implementation, maintenance, testing, requirements staging, (b) technology selection, (c) implementation style (degree of object orientation, degree of performance optimization, framework leverage), (d) likelihood of reusability or service containerization, (e) documentation requirements.

• Be responsive to scientists, labs, and projects. Attend meetings, brainstorm sessions, building working relationships with scientists, post-docs, and other software developers and project stakeholders. Active solicitation of feedback and prioritization is important, as is timely delivery of working software components.

• Continuously improve and build software skillset, to increase their impact and project versatility. Additionally, new projects will often require becoming familiar with specific tools, frameworks, and techniques. Learning is expected to be a core job responsibility.

• Will effectively communicate with both scientists and team members, including ad-hoc conversations, meetings, presentations, emails, and group collaboration tools as-needed.

• Collaborate with other team members on technology decisions, coding style, and workflow prioritization. This will require the free give and take of ideas, and sometimes require compromising individual preferences.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent work experience

• Minimum of one year of experience in software development

• Experience with scientific programming, and algorithms is desirable

• Experience working in a research environment a plus

• General languages (preferred): C++, Python, MATLAB

• CUDA (strongly preferred)

• Machine learning knowledge. e.g. logistic regression, SVM, neural network models

• Basic experience with networking and client/server applications

• System level design- object oriented programming

• Basic knowledge of hardware- digital signaling/ basic circuits

• Understanding of real-time latency and computational efficiency

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$80,040.00 (minimum) - $100,100.00 (midpoint) - $130,200.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer