Computational Behavioral Modeling Machine Learning Engineer

This is a remote, project-based opportunity for machine learning researchers and engineers with deep expertise in computational modeling of human and animal behavior.

Contributors will work on projects at the intersection of:

• Machine learning
• Behavioral science
• Cognitive modeling
• Social dynamics
• Agent-based behavioral simulation

Projects focus on applying advanced ML techniques to behavioral datasets, decision-making systems, and cognitive research problems.

Work is asynchronous over a 2–3 week period with project-based assignments and an expected commitment of approximately 10–20 hours per week.

Why Apply

Flexible Time Commitment

Work on your own schedule while contributing to advanced behavioral ML research projects.

Startup Exposure

Collaborate with a YC-backed AI research company working with frontier AI labs.

Exceptional Pay

Project-based compensation ranges from:

• $150–200/hour

Portfolio Building

Gain hands-on experience applying machine learning to computational behavioral modeling and cognitive science problems.

Professional Growth

Work on challenging behavioral datasets, cognitive models, and simulation systems spanning multiple research domains.

Responsibilities

• Apply machine learning techniques to behavioral modeling tasks including:

  • Decision-making inference
  • Cognitive process modeling
  • Social behavior prediction
  • Agent-based simulation

• Build and evaluate computational behavioral models using:

  • Reinforcement learning
  • Bayesian inference
  • Deep learning

• Develop and fit models using:

  • Human experimental datasets
  • Animal behavior studies
  • Large-scale observational datasets

• Conduct:

  • Model comparison
  • Validation workflows
  • Benchmark evaluation
  • Cognitive theory alignment

• Document:

  • Methodologies
  • Experimental findings
  • Technical approaches

clearly and reproducibly.

Required Qualifications

• At least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed venue such as:

  • NeurIPS
  • ICML
  • Psychological Review
  • Cognitive Science
  • PNAS
  • Equivalent conferences or journals

• Master’s or PhD in:

  • Computational Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Science
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Related quantitative field

• Demonstrated expertise in:

  • Machine learning
  • Computational behavioral modeling
  • Reinforcement learning models
  • Bayesian cognitive models
  • Social simulation systems

• Strong:

  • Research skills
  • Technical problem-solving abilities
  • Independent work capabilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with behavioral modeling tools such as:

  • hBayesDM
  • HDDM
  • PyMC

• Familiarity with:

  • Online behavioral experiments
  • Ecological momentary assessment
  • Digital phenotyping datasets

• Experience with:

  • Inverse reinforcement learning
  • Theory of mind modeling
  • Multi-agent behavioral simulation

• Background in:

  • Teaching
  • Research assistance
  • TA roles in machine learning or cognitive science

About AfterQuery

AfterQuery is a research lab exploring the boundaries of artificial intelligence through novel datasets and experimentation.

The company is backed by investors including:

• Y Combinator
• Box Group

AfterQuery supports leading AI labs through advanced AI training and evaluation initiatives.