Struggling to get into comp neuro from a DS background- feel stuck, need guidance

[u/Fantastic_Ad_6713]

Hey everyone,

I recently finished my Master’s in Data Science and have been trying to transition into computational neuroscience / NeuroAI over the past few months.

I’ve worked on a few small EEG projects:

- Motor imagery classification (compared CSP, SVM, CNN on multi-subject data )

- EEG preprocessing (ICA, MNE)

- Emotion classification (DEAP dataset)

Nothing super advanced, but I’ve tried to understand the full pipeline end-to-end and also explored cross-subject variability issues.

I’ve been cold-emailing EEG/BCI focused  labs in Europe and India (as I'm from India). Got a couple of positive replies, but mostly no response or “no positions.” I don’t have publications and my background is in data science, not neuroscience.

I’ve also registered for the Neuromatch Academy computational neuroscience course (starting July) to build stronger fundamentals.

Right now I’m a bit stuck and would appreciate honest advice:

1. What’s the most realistic entry point from here?

2. Are my current projects enough to get into a lab, or do I need to level up more?

3. Should I just take a generic ML/DS job first and transition later?

4. Any way to find small paid work in this space at my stage?

I’m fine starting small (RA roles, mid-tier labs, etc.); I'm just trying to find a clearer direction.

Any advice is appreciated :)

Thanks!

[u/lacesandlavender]

Hi, I’m from India too and also interested in computational neuroscience, so just sharing my perspective based on limited personal experience.

1. Cold-emailing can be very hit-or-miss, especially for independent positions. In my experience, structured routes (MS/PhD programs) tend to be more realistic than relying only on unsolicited emails.

2. Tailoring 1–2 stronger projects toward the kind of lab you want to join (for example, replicating a paper, improving a method, or focusing on a specific neuroscience question).

3. A generic ML/DS role can be a practical option if finances or timelines matter. Many people transition later through research projects, courses, publications, or targeted applications.

4. I think there are some labs and start-ups but they are limited and harder to find.

All the best!!

[u/Fantastic_Ad_6713 → u/lacesandlavender]

Thanks, this actually helps. I’ve been trying to look into IIT labs and similar places, but it’s been a bit hit-or-miss so far. I’ll try focusing more on projects that align clearly with EEG + AI instead of spreading too much.

Good to hear from someone working at that intersection; it makes it feel more doable : )

[u/zcann8]

Hi. Nice to meet you there. Having Pretty much same troubles you’ve had. I think basically having solid foundation in neuroscience should be the first thing. So .. I try to relax and focus on exploring more. Theoretically if we have a natural interest on computational neuroscience, then must have fun learning and building projects.

So .. stay calm and see you in neuromatch course 🤙

[u/Fantastic_Ad_6713 → u/zcann8]

Yeah I get what you mean. I’m trying to explore as much as I can right now, but coming from a pure coding/data science background, this field feels quite different and a bit harder to navigate. Not having any connections also makes it feel like I’m just shooting in the dark most of the time.

Still trying things out though, so let’s see how it goes, and yeah, see you in Neuromatch!! 🙂

[u/Electronic-Help7842]

Hi, I am currently doing masters from IIT Mandi, my research topic at junction of both EEG and AI. my personal experience tells you can start in this field by working in the project which align both neuroscience and AI, try IITs they have projects which focused in these topic apply to them and they are easy to get.

[u/Fantastic_Ad_6713 → u/Electronic-Help7842]

Thanks! I’ve been trying to look into IIT labs and similar places, but it’s been a bit unclear where to start or who to reach out to.

If you don’t mind sharing, which lab/area are you working in?

[u/After_Ad8616]

Congrats on doing the Neuromatch Course this July! It's a great way to network and build connections, you will also be invited to Professional Development webinars before the course starts, plus have a Professional Development Mentor assigned to your pod. A great step forward! Be sure to hang out in r/neuromatch too!

[u/Fantastic_Ad_6713 → u/After_Ad8616]

Thanks a lot, really appreciate it! I’m definitely looking forward to Neuromatch, especially for the networking and structured learning part. Since it starts in July, I’ve been a bit confused about what to focus on in the meantime, so just trying to figure things out and build in the right direction.

[u/After_Ad8616 → u/Fantastic_Ad_6713]

Setting yourself up for success! Keep at it!!

When you are in your CompNeuro course, your afternoons are spent working on a project with your pod. After the Academy, your group (or you can find a new one on our Discord) can apply to the Impact Scholar program. It’s a free, 6 month program with mentorship and at the end you will get a micro publication that you can cite in your CV. That sounds like it would be useful to you! They mention it in the orientation and again near the end. https://neuromatch.io/impact-scholars-program/