# Research Scientist: Energy Based Models

**Company:** [Astera](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/astera)
**Location:** Emeryville, CA
**Role:** AI Research
**Salary:** $150k – $300k/yr
**Skills:** PyTorch, JAX, Deep Learning, Graphical Models, Information Theory, Energy-Based Models, Latent Variable Models, Active Inference, Unsupervised Learning
**Posted:** 2026-02-25

> Conducts fundamental research on neuroscience-inspired energy-based models and hierarchical latent variable models for AGI. Designs experiments on cognition and collaborates cross-functionally to build scalable systems. Requires PhD-level expertise in deep learning and PyTorch/JAX.

## Job Description

## Core Responsibilities

- **Fundamental Research on Energy Based, Hierarchical Latent Variable Models**: Develop and implement new architectures and learning/inference algorithms for neuroscience-inspired energy-based world models, with focus on representations that allow for parallel distributed planning.
- **Scientific Discovery**: Design experiments to test hypotheses regarding high-level cognition, causal representations, sensory-motor integration, active inference, and unsupervised learning.
- **Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration**: Work alongside neuroscientists and software engineers to translate abstract mathematical frameworks into scalable systems.
- **Contribute to Open Science**: Help innovate new publication models that incentivize speedy dissemination, open source code releases, free open access, and impact measurements based on uptake.

## Desired Qualifications

- **Technical Depth**: Preferred: PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Physics, or a related quantitative field. Open to exceptional candidates with non-traditional educational histories.
- **Theoretical Rigor**: Strong foundations in deep learning, graphical models, and information theory.
- **Coding Proficiency**: Expert-level skills in deep learning frameworks (PyTorch/JAX), with a focus on clean, reproducible research code.
- **AGI Mindset**: Demonstrated interest in the \"big questions\" of AI—robustness, generalization, and common-sense reasoning.
- **Curious About the Brain**: Genuine passion for exploring the computational and architectural principles of the mammalian brain.
- **Startup DNA**: Ability to thrive in a lean, fast-paced environment where you have high autonomy and a direct influence on research direction.

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