Ask HN: How can I pivot from software engineering back into neuroscience?

I’m a self-taught software engineer with nearly a decade of experience building enterprise applications and AI-powered tools. But before tech, my path started in neuroscience. It’s what I originally studied in school, and the fascination never left me.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a strong pull back toward neuroscience. I want to explore how I can contribute to the field using the skills I’ve developed in engineering: data analysis, machine learning, full-stack development, and building scalable systems.

Ideally, I’d love to work at the intersection helping researchers automate lab tools, build better neural data pipelines, or apply LLMs to neuroscience research and education. But I’m not sure where to start.

Has anyone here made a similar pivot or hired engineers into neuroscience research roles? Are there research labs, startups, or open-source projects where someone like me could contribute meaningfully?

Appreciate any leads, advice, or opportunities to get involved.

Thanks, Elijah