Zach Zeisler, PhD

High-dimensional signal processing and ML at the intersection of neuroscience and applied data science

I decode complex neural and behavioral data — and build the pipelines to do it at scale. Currently seeking data science, BCI, and research scientist roles.

Zach Zeisler

About Me

I analyze brain signals for a living — extracting meaningful patterns from noisy, high-dimensional data to decode decision-making behavior.

My path started at Mercer University (Neuroscience + Latin, summa cum laude), continued through a PhD at Mount Sinai where I developed innovative quantitative neuroanatomical methods, and now extends into postdoctoral work on reinforcement learning and neural decoding.

What excites me is translating rigorous analytical skills into real-world applications: building better data pipelines, improving signal processing workflows, and transforming raw physiological signals into actionable insights.

I believe the same challenges I solve for neural data — noise, dimensionality, real-time constraints, signal extraction — apply directly to a wide range of complex data problems. BCI and biosensors are where I see particularly exciting opportunities, but I'm drawn to any domain where rigorous analysis of messy, high-volume data creates meaningful impact.

What I'm Looking For

Location New York City or remote
Role Data scientist, BCI engineer, research scientist, or related
Impact Working with high-volume complex data that creates meaningful outcomes

I process 100+ GB/day of high-dimensional neural and behavioral data, building production-quality ML pipelines to extract signal from noise. I'm drawn to any domain where rigorous analysis of messy, high-volume data creates real impact.

Particularly excited by: biosensor applications, real-time signal processing, health tech, and any challenge involving complex, high-dimensional data streams.

Also open to: standard data science roles in tech, finance, or research where my signal processing and ML expertise adds value.

Selected Projects

Research Paper 2025

Cross-Species Neural Dynamics

Journal of Neuroscience

Analyzed ~20,000 single neurons across mice, macaques, and humans to identify conserved hierarchies of neural timescales. Demonstrated expertise in extracting signal from noise across species — a challenge common to any high-dimensional biosensor or behavioral data application.

RNN Analysis Dimensionality Reduction Bayesian Inference
Data Pipeline 2024-Present

High-Density Electrophysiology

Built and maintained end-to-end data pipelines processing neural signals from awake behaving primates. 157-channel custom electrode arrays (Gray Matter collaboration), 40-70 single neurons + mesoscale LFPs recorded simultaneously.

10,000+ neurons recorded and sorted
Real-time Analysis Python/PyTorch Signal Processing
Communications 2024-2025

Scientific Communication

Translating complex neural findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences. Distilled high-dimensional data into clear narratives at premier venues.

NY Memory Hub Conference (2025) — invited talk Janelia Workshop (2025) — workshop COSYNE 2025 — poster Cold Spring Harbour (2024) — poster

Technical Expertise

Expertise applies to neural data, biosensors, or any complex high-dimensional data system.

Languages & Frameworks

  • Python (NumPy, pandas, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
  • R (tidyverse, brms)
  • MATLAB
  • SQL

ML & Statistical Methods

  • Neural networks (RNNs, MLPs)
  • Reinforcement learning algorithms
  • Dimensionality reduction (PCA, t-SNE, UMAP)
  • Bayesian inference, HMMs
  • Encoding/decoding models

Signal Processing

  • Real-time electrophysiology
  • LFP & single-neuron analysis
  • Manifold characterization
  • Noise reduction & feature extraction

Tools & Platforms

  • Pynapple, NeMos
  • Linux HPC environments
  • GitHub (DoubleZZ10)
  • fMRI, neural, and behavioral data

Experience & Leadership

Postdoctoral Fellow

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai | 2024-Present

  • Process 100+ GB/day of high-dimensional neural and behavioral data
  • NIH-funded RL decoding project ($802K)
  • Design custom electrode arrays (157-channel) with Gray Matter Research
  • Real-time behavioral task design and analysis

PhD in Neuroscience

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai | 2019-2024

  • Secured $758K in competitive NIH funding
  • 2 first-author papers in Neuron, Current Biology
  • Multi-site NIH project coordination ($2.2M ongoing)
  • Advisor: Peter Rudebeck, D.Phil

Project SHORT — Director of Outreach

Mount Sinai | 2020-2023

  • Pro bono admissions consulting for underrepresented students
  • Led website redesign and student mentorship
  • Mentored 10+ students into graduate/medical school

Teaching Assistant

Icahn School of Medicine | 2021, 2022

  • Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience (PhD-level courses)
  • Developed curriculum and mentored graduate students

Publications

2025

Evolutionary road to primate prefrontal cortex

In: The Evolution of Nervous Systems, 3rd ed., Vol. 3

Recognition

Receiving the Cajal Club Krieg Cortical Scholar Award
Receiving the Cajal Club Krieg Cortical Scholar Award, 2025

Cajal Club Krieg Cortical Scholar Award

2025

The Krieg Cortical Kudos recognize outstanding scientists working on the cerebral cortex across three career stages: the established investigator (Discoverer), the young professional within ten years of their advanced degree (Explorer), and recent PhD graduates no more than two years beyond their degree (Scholar). I was honored to receive the Scholar award for contributions to understanding cortical structure and function.

Learn more about the Krieg Cortical Kudos

Let's Connect

I'm actively exploring opportunities in NYC or remote. Let's discuss how my neural data expertise can contribute to your team.