Neuroscience PhD

About the Role

This is a founding-level research and engineering role at a Y Combinator–backed wearable startup building AI-powered emotional intelligence tools. You'll own the core inference model that quantifies emotional states from wearable sensor data — sitting at the intersection of computational neuroscience and production machine learning, and directly shaping the company's technical direction as it scales.

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, and iterate on the inference model that quantifies real-time emotional states from wearable biometric and audio signals.

• Bridge neuroscience research and production ML systems, translating scientific insight into deployable, reliable software.

• Function as a hybrid researcher and ML engineer, owning both the theoretical and engineering layers of the model stack.

What We're Looking For

• PhD in computational neuroscience, cognitive science, active inference, or a closely related field.

• 2–7 years of experience bridging neuroscience research and production machine learning systems.

• Strong Python proficiency for ML model development and deployment.

• Comfort operating as both a researcher and an ML engineer — this role requires both mindsets.

• US work authorization required (visa transfers considered; new sponsorship not available).

Compensation & Benefits

Salary of $150,000 USD annually (US) or approximately £75,000 GBP (London). Equity participation of up to 1–2% available for a founding-level hire. No new visa sponsorship; visa transfers are acceptable.

Location

On-site in London, England, UK or San Francisco, CA, USA. Remote and hybrid arrangements are also considered.