Principal research scientist jobs in San Rafael, CA - 1,434 jobs

### As a research scientist with Martian, you will develop new techniques to understand how AI models work. This work will focus on exploring and improving a technique we call “model mapping”: converting transformers into more interpretable representations (such as programs). We are looking for people who can develop and scale up methods for making transformers more interpretable through model mapping and then understanding the transformers in the new domain we map to. Full details can be found here. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Nimble is an AI robotics company building the autonomous supply chain to enable fast, efficient, and sustainable commerce. We're developing a general-purpose robot AI and a warehouse generalist superhumanoid robot, the first robot in the world capable of performing all core warehouse functions. We recently closed a $106M Series C at a $1B valuation, and we are continuing to grow our world‑class team. Mission: to empower and inspire mankind to accomplish legendary feats by inventing robots that liberate us from the menial. Vision: invent the Autonomous Supply Chain - everything from the inside of factories and warehouses to your front door - powered by industry‑generalist superhumanoids to deliver faster, more efficient, and more sustainable commerce. Our founding team comes from the AI labs at Stanford and Carnegie Mellon and our board of directors include famed robotics and AI legends including Marc Raibert (founder of Boston Dynamics), Sebastian Thrun (founder of GoogleX, Waymo; Stanford Professor and considered the father of autonomous vehicles) and Fei‑Fei Li (Chief Scientist of AI at Google and Director of Stanford's AI Lab). Join us and leave your mark on the future of robotics, AI, and global commerce. Why Join Nimble? At Nimble, we are committed to building legendary products, a legendary team, and a legendary legacy. Join us and become part of an ambitious, humble, and resourceful culture where your work will leave a lasting impact on the future of robotics and commerce. Nimble's Core Values: Be relentlessly resourceful - Challenge conventions and overcome obstacles. Be legendary - Be the very best and do work that inspires. Be humble - Prioritize growth, learning, and doing whatever is needed to further the mission. Be dependable - Take ownership and deliver with high agency. The Role Nimble is looking for an AI Robotics Research Scientist to help us advance our robotics moonshot by designing, developing, training, and implementing robotic foundation models, Vision‑Language‑Action Models, general‑purpose robotic AI models, and reinforcement learning algorithms controlling multi‑agent robot fleets. You will play a critical role in working with our all‑star cross‑functional team to build models with immediate applications for the world's biggest robotics opportunity. Responsibilities Develop and train diffusion policies, VLMs, multi‑agent deep RL policies and more Develop data collection pipelines Design data annotation and labeling Support implementation of models into production systems Qualifications P.h.D in Robotics or Computer Science Experience training deep learning models for robotic manipulation or mobility Experience working with real robotic hardware Experience training models in simulation and developing simulation environments Experience collecting custom datasets Experience training on open‑source datasets Strong track record of publishing papers and/or deploying real‑world applications Experience with system architecture, design and development Additional Requirements Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed Must be able to work in San Francisco $180,000 - $250,000 a year The above range is the salary range. This position will also receive generous equity for this position. Culture We embrace challenges and strive to make the impossible possible each day. We're not in this to do what's easy or to be mediocre. We want to create something legendary and leave our mark on the world. We're ambitious, we're gritty, we're humble and we're relentlessly resourceful in pursuit of our goals. If this sounds like you then you might be a great fit! Nimble Robotics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We make all employment decisions based solely on merit. We provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, federal or local laws. Nimble's Benefits Paid Time Off Enjoy the time you need to travel, rejuvenate, and connect with friends and family. Health Insurance Nimble provides medical, dental, and vision insurance through several premier plans and options to support you and your family. Paid Parental Leave Enjoy paid bonding time following a birth. Commuter Benefits Take the stress out of commuting with access to fully-paid parking spots. Referral Bonus Get a cash bonus for any friend or colleague that you refer to us that we end up hiring. 401k Contribute towards a 401k for retirement planning. Equity Be an owner in Nimble through our equity program. #J-18808-Ljbffr

A cutting-edge robotics startup is looking for a Research Scientist to enhance their robotic manipulation systems. This role entails advancing research, collaborating on publications, and prototyping solutions within a multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate has a strong grasp of modern robotic methods and 5+ years of relevant experience, alongside a solid publication record in prestigious conferences. Compensation ranges from $160,000 to $210,000 annually, with equity options available. #J-18808-Ljbffr

A leading AI research company in San Francisco is seeking a Research Scientist in mathematical sciences to design and build AI models that tackle complex scientific problems. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and experience with frontier models. This position operates on a hybrid work model, valuing rigor and reproducibility in scientific research. Competitive compensation is offered. #J-18808-Ljbffr

A fast-growing AI research startup in San Francisco seeks a Machine Learning Research Scientist to develop next-generation AI models. The role involves designing innovative architectures, validating model performance, and collaborating with engineers. Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent experience in a related field, a strong publication record, and proficiency in deep learning frameworks. This position offers a unique chance to impact core products and work with leading researchers in the industry. #J-18808-Ljbffr

A leading AI company in San Francisco seeks an AI Research Scientist who will blend cutting-edge AI research with practical engineering. This role requires developing advanced systems that solve real-world engineering problems, demanding expertise in AI research and strong programming skills in Python. If you're ready to thrive in a fast-paced environment and contribute significantly to innovative projects, apply now. #J-18808-Ljbffr

About Nudge At Nudge, our mission is to develop the best technology for interfacing with the brain to improve people's lives. We're starting with an approach that we believe can help the most people the fastest, and also allow us to learn as much about the brain as possible: developing a non‑invasive, ultrasound‑based device that can stimulate and image the brain at high resolution and depth. This is a vertically integrated effort building cutting‑edge hardware, software, and research capabilities to create products that can benefit millions - and eventually billions - of people. We've brought together a team of the best, who believe hard things are worth doing. To succeed, we need to assemble world‑class teams across everything we do. We hire people who are exceptional at their craft, do the real work, and execute relentlessly - people who expect the highest levels of both rigor and integrity from each other. About the role As a research scientist focused on rodent behavior and neural imaging at Nudge, you will: Design and execute experiments in rodents to characterize the effects of ultrasound neuromodulation on brain circuits and behavior Collect and analyze behavioral and neural data, with techniques such as electrophysiology, calcium imaging and/or fiber photometry Develop and validate experimental paradigms linking neural activity changes to behavioral and physiological responses with clinical relevance Optimize ultrasound stimulation parameters for specific brain circuits and cell types to achieve targeted neuromodulation Translate preclinical findings to inform human neuromodulation studies About you PhD or postdoc in neuroscience, biomedical engineering or similar engineering discipline Exceptional proficiency in ultrasound neuromodulation, functional ultrasound neuroimaging, optogenetics, electrophysiology, two‑photon microscopy, or fiber phototometry in animal models Experience with automated behavioral tracking and analysis or computational analysis of neural + behavioral data Experience designing experiments informed by ultrasound physics and acoustic field modeling is preferred Demonstrated history of exceptional technical contribution #J-18808-Ljbffr

Virtue AI is at the forefront of AI security & compliance. Our mission is to build the essential AI security platform with advanced and comprehensive guardrails and red‑teaming tools that enable organizations to deploy different AI applications confidently and responsibly in different sectors, such as finance, healthcare, telecom, retail, and government. Just as Palo Alto Networks redefined network security, our mission is to define and lead the new category of AI Security. We are a well‑funded, early‑stage startup founded by industry veterans, and we're looking for passionate builders to join our core team. Are you a high‑performing, motivated machine learning engineer ready to make a significant impact in the AI security space? We are looking for talented engineers to develop cutting‑edge products on agent and LLM securities. What You'll Do As a Research Scientist, you will play a key role in developing production‑ready and cutting‑edge agent and ML security techniques. Your work will directly contribute to advancing our products and services and driving innovation within the industry. You will: Develop our core techniques for agent and model red‑teaming, including discovering novel testing paths, designing novel testing techniques, and developing automatic testing platforms Develop and train our core guardrail models for different input modalities and defense targets and goals Apply efficiency inference methods to reduce model latency Work with the research engineers to integrate our developed techniques into products What Makes You a Great Fit You'll thrive in this role if you're excited by new technology, love solving customer problems, and can comfortably bridge the business and technical worlds. Required qualifications: Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, along with expertise in LLM libraries like PyTorch, DeepSpeed, OpenRLHF, vLLM, verl, etc Experience in LLM finetuning for different modalities Experience in building LLM‑based agents for various applications Experience in conducting large‑scale red‑teaming for LLMs and agents Preferred qualifications: Hands‑on experience with Docker for containerization and deployment Hands‑on experience in backend engineering (Go, C/C++) and front‑end development (Node.js, Typescript) Enthusiasm for thriving in a fast‑paced startup environment Strong problem‑solving skills and effective communication abilities Why Join Virtue AI Competitive base salary compensation + equity commensurate with skills and experience. Impact at scale - Help define the category AI security and partner with Fortune 500 enterprises on their most strategic AI initiatives. Work on the frontier - Engage with bleeding‑edge AI/ML and deploy AI security solutions for use cases that don't yet exist anywhere else yet. Collaborative culture - Join a team of builders, problem‑solvers, and innovators who are mission‑driven and collaborative. Opportunity for growth - Shape not only our customer engagements, but also the processes and culture of an early lean team with plans for scale. Equal Opportunity Employment Virtue AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs, consistent with legal requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr

A multi-modal foundational AI company is seeking a Foundational AI Research Scientist to lead research on large-language-model architectures. The role involves designing and validating new transformer variants and attention mechanisms for production systems. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. and 3+ years of industry experience in AI research, with deep knowledge of sequence modeling architectures and pre-training of large models. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible PTO, and comprehensive benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr

The Basic Life Research Scientist at Stanford University conducts advanced experimental and computational research to study protein-RNA interactions at scale, integrating high-throughput sequencing with machine learning methods. This role involves designing and optimizing experimental protocols, analyzing data, preparing scientific reports, and mentoring junior lab members within a collaborative and inclusive environment. The position contributes to innovative genomic research with the goal of advancing knowledge in molecular biology and improving human health outcomes. The Department of Genetics at Stanford University is a leading center for genomic research, dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying human health and disease. Our department brings together world-class faculty and researchers who develop and employ cutting-edge technologies -from molecular to computational approaches- to tackle fundamental questions in genetics. We foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that bridges basic science with clinical applications, training the next generation of geneticists while pursuing discoveries that translate into improved human health outcomes. Our mission emphasizes scientific excellence, innovation, and the responsible application of genetic knowledge to benefit society. We are committed to building an inclusive scientific community that values the contributions of all our members to our research programs. The Cox laboratory at Stanford University School of Medicine seeks a full-time staff research scientist to accelerate the development of novel technologies for probing protein-RNA interactions at scale. Our laboratory aims to solve the fundamental challenge of predicting protein-RNA complex structures directly from sequence by integrating high-throughput experimental data with machine learning methods. The successful candidate will focus primarily on developing and implementing the experimental technologies that enable these large-scale measurements. More information about the lab can be . In this role, you will perform professional research in support of our scientific mission. You will contribute to developing research goals for the laboratory, work collaboratively with the Lab Head to determine optimal research methods, and independently perform scientific procedures requiring professional judgment. Additional responsibilities include interpreting experimental results, reviewing pertinent literature, and preparing research reports for presentation and publication. What we provide: Basic science research projects with potential for broad and sustained impact on pressing biomedical problems Training in cutting-edge experimental and computational methods in molecular biology and biochemistry, including high-throughput sequencing A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive research environment Opportunities for authorship on research publications A team committed to continuous learning and scientific collaboration Membership in Stanford's vibrant scientific communities across the Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, and broader university CORE DUTIES: Research & Technical Development: Design, develop, and perform specialized experimental procedures for protein-RNA interaction studies, including high-throughput sequencing-based assays Identify methodological challenges in research protocols and implement innovative solutions to optimize experimental outcomes Evaluate emerging technologies and lead the integration of new methodologies into laboratory workflows Troubleshoot complex experimental systems and maintain laboratory instrumentation Organize experimental data Data Analysis & Reporting: • Prepare comprehensive research reports, manuscripts, and presentations for scientific meetings and publication • Collaborate on data visualization and statistical analysis to support research conclusions Laboratory Leadership & Management: Develop and implement short- and long-term research strategies in collaboration with the Lab Head Train and mentor junior laboratory members in experimental techniques and data analysis methods Oversee laboratory operations including supply management, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols Prepare specifications for specialized equipment and coordinate procurement of some research supplies Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, genetics, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience Demonstrated experience with protein purification, nucleic acid biochemistry, and next-generation sequencing technologies Strong technical proficiency combined with scientific creativity and collaborative skills Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to team-based research goals Ability to develop innovative processes to achieve goals. Directs others to develop essential tasks. Reviews work activities to determine where new information could improve processes or move projects forward Ability to write and prepare reports or manuscripts for presentation to large audiences. Experience mentoring and training junior researchers Commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment Preferred Qualifications: Experience with biochemical assays for protein-nucleic acid interactions Familiarity with computational analysis of next-generation DNA sequencing data Prior experience in technology development or method optimization Track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals Physical Requirements: Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Please Note: • This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. • Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, current CV, publication list and the contact information for at least 3 references with their application. The expected pay range for this position is $75,000 to $96,000 per annum. Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years since their applicable education, field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; among other factors. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research mission. Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years since their applicable education, field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; among other factors. Keywords: protein-RNA interaction, genomic research, high-throughput sequencing, molecular biology, machine learning, biochemistry, structural biology, experimental design, data analysis, scientific publication

A cutting-edge AI startup is seeking an experienced AI Researcher to drive innovative research in generative AI and build multimodal foundation models. Ideally located in San Francisco, the candidate will require a PhD and 5+ years in the field. Responsibilities include designing and implementing models, conducting independent research, and publishing findings. This role is central to advancing AI for earth observation and creating a positive impact. #J-18808-Ljbffr

The Center for Brain and Health (CBH) at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is seeking a Research Scientist to explore scientific questions related to an in-progress normative brain database. The research scientist will be a key member of a multidisciplinary team responsible for collection of multimodal brain data, including MR imaging, MEG, EEG, and eye tracking. The tentpole of the CBH is the first normative brain database in the region, featuring structural, functional, diffusion MRI, behavioral and health measures, genetic information, and lifestyle questionnaires. The anticipated appointment start date is May 1, 2026, with a guaranteed term of 18 months and the possibility of renewal based on performance. Responsibilities Explore scientific questions related to the normative brain database. Conduct data collection and processing of multimodal MR imaging, MEG, EEG, and eye tracking. Apply big‑data analysis techniques and advanced computational methods to brain imaging data. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary research team. Contribute to peer‑reviewed publications and scientific communication. Qualifications Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, MR Physics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field. Postdoctoral experience or an equivalent level of experience preferred. Extensive experience with multimodal MRI, including functional, structural, and tractography methods. Proficiency in big‑data analysis techniques. Experience with other large brain databases preferred. Strong computational skills and a solid publication record. Benefits Competitive salary and benefits. Housing allowance. Other benefits as specified in the employment terms. Application Instructions Cover letter. Curriculum vitae with a full publication list. Transcript. Statement of research interests. Three representative publications. Three letters of reference. All materials must be submitted in PDF format. Applications are accepted immediately; please submit through the NYUAD careers page at ************************************************************* For questions, contact ************** or **************************. UAE nationals are encouraged to apply. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. Sustainability Statement NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/sustainability. #J-18808-Ljbffr

A leading AI robotics firm based in San Francisco is seeking an AI Robotics Research Scientist. This role involves developing and training robotic AI models and working with an all-star team to tackle advanced robotics challenges. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Robotics or Computer Science and experience in deep learning and robotic hardware. A competitive salary range of $180,000 - $250,000 plus equity is offered, along with strong benefits that include paid time off, health insurance, and 401k contributions. #J-18808-Ljbffr

A leading data and AI platform in San Francisco is seeking a Research Scientist for the GenAI Team. This role involves advancing deep learning techniques and working with large-scale LLMs. The ideal candidate will have a passion for innovation, solid machine learning skills, and a commitment to improving user experiences. Competitive compensation ranges from $150,000 to $190,000 USD, reflecting the importance of this role within the company. #J-18808-Ljbffr

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Research Scientist to innovate and advance machine learning techniques. This role offers the opportunity to develop impactful research while collaborating across teams to push the boundaries of AI. Ideal candidates will have a track record of innovation, a strong understanding of deep learning algorithms, and a commitment to the ethical implications of AI technology. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to ensuring AI benefits all of humanity and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology. #J-18808-Ljbffr

A pioneering AI security company located in San Francisco is seeking a Research Scientist to develop and enhance cutting-edge agent and machine learning security techniques. The ideal candidate will have expertise in Python and various LLM libraries, with a passion for innovation in a fast-paced startup environment. This role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking AI solutions. #J-18808-Ljbffr

A VC-backed AI simulation platform in San Francisco is seeking a Behavioral Research Scientist to shape AI agents' cognitive foundations. The role focuses on modeling decision-making processes, translating theories into practical frameworks, and conducting experiments to enhance simulation realism. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in relevant fields and experience in behavioral modeling. Join a passionate team making a real-world impact in AI technology. #J-18808-Ljbffr

About P-1 AI: We are building an engineering AGI. We founded P-1 AI with the conviction that the greatest impact of artificial intelligence will be on the built world-helping mankind conquer nature and bend it to our will. Our first product is Archie, an AI engineer capable of quantitative and spatial reasoning over physical product domains that performs at the level of an entry‑level design engineer. We aim to put an Archie on every engineering team at every industrial company on earth. Our founding team includes the top minds in deep learning, model‑based engineering, and industries that are our customers. We just closed a $23 million seed round led by Radical Ventures that includes a number of other AI and industrial luminaries (from OpenAI, DeepMind, etc.). About the Role: We're seeking an exceptional AI Research Scientist to help us push the boundaries of AI applied to the physical world. This role blends cutting‑edge AI research with hands‑on engineering, and is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of ideas and implementation. You'll be leading projects that develop agentic AI systems designed to solve real‑world mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering problems-systems that think, remember, act, and adapt. This is not a “pure research” position: we're looking for a hacker‑scientist hybrid-someone who's published in top venues but is not afraid of any layer in the tech stack. What You'll Do: Design and implement agentic systems that autonomously solve physical engineering tasks. Develop advanced memory, retrieval, and planning architectures for LLM‑based agents. Apply (or invent) reinforcement learning strategies for reasoning, planning, and online adaptation. Contribute to both research strategy and technical implementation-this is a hands‑on role. Collaborate with a small, elite team of researchers and engineers across domains. Stay on the edge of what's possible and bring promising ideas into reality. About you: Have experience at the frontier of AI research (e.g., LLMs, RL, memory systems, agent architectures). Are passionate about applied problems-especially in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering domains. Are fluent in Python and major ML/AI frameworks (PyTorch, JAX, etc.). Thrive in fast‑moving environments and feel comfortable working towards underspecified goals. Have a “whatever it takes” mindset: you're the kind of person makes things work. Can go from whiteboard to working prototype without waiting for someone else to “engineer” it. Preferred Qualifications: PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, Math, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience). Relevant publications in top‑tier venues of your field. Experience with physical engineering domains a plus. Familiarity with agent tool‑use, retrieval‑augmented generation, or long‑term memory systems. Deep knowledge of reinforcement learning algorithms and practical challenges. Interview process: Initial screening - Head of Talent (30 mins) Hiring manager interview - Head of AI (45 mins) Technical Interview - AI Chief Scientist (45 mins) Culture fit / Q&A (maybe in person) - with co‑founder & CEO (45 mins) #J-18808-Ljbffr

A pioneering AI company based in San Francisco seeks a Foundational AI Research Scientist (Speech) to drive advancements in speech understanding and generation. This role requires a Ph.D. and extensive experience in TTS and STT systems. Responsibilities include prototyping architectures, executing validation experiments, and collaborating with engineering teams. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in modern sequence modeling and a proven track record with large-scale datasets. A strong engineering intuition and the ability to translate complex ideas into maintainable code are essential. #J-18808-Ljbffr