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
$75k-96k yearly 7d ago
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Applied Scientist: Causal AI for Enterprise Marketing
Mxv
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
A leading AI science company in San Francisco is seeking an Applied Scientist to tackle complex marketing measurement challenges. The role involves designing innovative algorithms and collaborating with clients to ensure accuracy at scale. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in research code and a strong mathematical background, including causal inference. The compensation ranges from $235K to $258K, with equity offers and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a dynamic startup environment.
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$235k-258k yearly 6d ago
Research Scientist
Martian 3.9
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
### 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.
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$138k-219k yearly est. 5d ago
Edge AI Model Optimization Scientist
Quadric Inc.
Scientist job in Burlingame, CA
A technology company in California is seeking a skilled research scientist to join their data science team. The role involves optimizing neural network models and developing techniques for more efficient inference on their innovative hardware. Candidates should have advanced degrees and substantial experience in machine learning and Python. This position offers a competitive salary, health benefits, and a commitment to diversity in the workplace.
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$104k-165k yearly est. 2d ago
Realtime Vision Scientist: Wildfire Detection & Geo AI
Pano Ai, Inc.
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
A growing tech start-up in San Francisco is seeking a Computer Vision Applied Scientist to develop advanced geospatial algorithms and improve deep learning models for wildfire detection. The ideal candidate has a PhD or MS in a related field and strong Python skills, particularly with PyTorch. This role offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology and be part of an agile team dedicated to tackling environmental challenges while providing comprehensive benefits including stock options and unlimited paid time off.
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$104k-165k yearly est. 2d ago
Biomed Knowledge Graph Scientist for AI Discovery
Mithrl Inc.
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
A biotechnology company in San Francisco is looking for a Data Scientist, Knowledge Graphs to build and scale the biological knowledge layer for its AI Co-Scientist. This role involves ingesting and harmonizing vital biological datasets, creating automated curation pipelines, and enabling user interaction with knowledge graphs. The ideal candidate should have strong experience in data science and familiarity with biological knowledgebases, with a focus on building robust ingestion systems. Comprehensive benefits and a vibrant culture are offered.
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$104k-165k yearly est. 4d ago
Healthcare AI Scientist - Transformer & LLM Expert
Quantdynamicss
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
A healthcare consulting firm in San Francisco is seeking a highly skilled Healthcare Data Scientist to leverage advanced AI models for real-world healthcare applications. The ideal candidate will develop machine learning models, analyze complex data, and collaborate across teams to bring innovative solutions to production. This role offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic environment.
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A technology firm specializing in neuroscience is seeking a Research Scientist focused on rodent behavior and neural imaging. The ideal candidate will design experiments, analyze neural data, and translate findings to human studies. Candidates should hold a PhD or postdoc in relevant fields and demonstrate proficiency in ultrasound neuromodulation techniques. This role is critical for advancing non-invasive brain research.
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$104k-165k yearly est. 2d ago
GenAI Research Scientist: LLM Fine-Tuning & Production
Menlo Ventures
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
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.
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$150k-190k yearly 6d ago
LLM Post-Training Research Scientist - SF On-site
Solana Foundation 4.5
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
A pioneering AI company in San Francisco is seeking a talented AI Researcher to push the boundaries of custom AI research and model training. You will lead experiments in model architectures and fine-tune techniques for efficiency, collaborating with a skilled team. Ideal candidates have a strong background in training with PyTorch and experience in optimizing LLMs. This role offers competitive compensation ranging from $250K to $350K, along with equity and benefits.
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$99k-164k yearly est. 5d ago
Frontier Mathematical AI Research Scientist
Openai 4.2
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
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.
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$106k-174k yearly est. 5d ago
Research Scientist, AI
Substrate 3.9
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing the United States. At the intersection of advanced manufacturing and cutting‑edge physics, we are developing technologies that will reshape the semiconductor industry and strengthen America's technological leadership. We are a team of world‑class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for the United States.
Summary
As a Research Scientist working with AI, you will accelerate and augment R&D workflows by applying machine learning to scientific simulations and modeling while simultaneously building internal AI capabilities across the organization. This role sits at the intersection of cutting‑edge physics and artificial intelligence, and you'll work hands‑on to develop AI‑augmented tools that enable breakthrough research, and build the infrastructure and expertise that empowers our technical teams to leverage AI in their own work. Whether you are a physicist who has embraced machine learning or an AI expert with deep scientific domain knowledge, you will play a pivotal role in defining how we utilize AI to accelerate our own internal R&D.
Responsibilities
Integrate machine learning techniques to accelerate scientific simulations, modeling, and computational workflows
Develop AI‑augmented tools for materials science, device physics, or accelerator physics applications
Build internal AI infrastructure and capabilities to enable research teams across the organization
Train and mentor scientists and engineers on integrating AI/ML into their research workflows
Implement surrogate models, physics‑informed neural networks, or generative approaches for scientific problems
Develop data pipelines and frameworks for scientific machine learning across distributed teams
Collaborate with computational physicists and experimentalists to identify high‑impact AI applications
Set AI best practices and establish standards for ML‑augmented R&D
Required Qualifications
5+ years professional or academic research experience in physical sciences, engineering, or related field
2‑3+ years hands‑on experience applying machine learning to scientific or technical problems
Strong programming skills in Python and ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, or similar)
Deep understanding of scientific computing, numerical methods, and computational modeling
Proven ability to translate scientific problems into machine learning approaches
Experience building tools, infrastructure, or capabilities used by technical teams
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field
Publications applying ML to scientific computing, simulation, or experimental data analysis
Experience with physics‑informed machine learning or scientific foundation models
Background in accelerator physics, semiconductor devices, materials modeling, or related domains
Track record of enabling technical teams through tool development or mentorship
Salary Range
$150,000-$400,000 USD
Substrate is an equal opportunity employer. It provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Substrate will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
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$100k-166k yearly est. 2d ago
Research Scientist - Applied AI
P-1 Ai Inc.
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
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)
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$95k-160k yearly est. 4d ago
AI Security Research Scientist - Red Team & LLM Guardrails
Virtue Ai
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
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.
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$95k-160k yearly est. 5d ago
Research Scientist: Long-Video Gen & Temporal Modeling
Hedra, Inc.
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
A generative media company in San Francisco seeks a Research Scientist to develop innovative architectures for long-form video generation. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Machine Learning or a related field, expertise in auto-regressive modeling, and proficiency in Python and PyTorch. This role offers competitive compensation and valuable experience in the evolving field of AI-driven content creation.
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$95k-160k yearly est. 2d ago
Research Scientist (post-training)
Genmo
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
We are Genmo, a research lab dedicated to building open, state-of-the-art models for video generation towards unlocking the right brain of AGI. Join us in shaping the future of AI and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in video generation.
Role overview
We are seeking an exceptional Research Scientist to join our team, focusing on alignment and post-training techniques for large-scale video generation models. In this role, you will be at the forefront of ensuring our diffusion-based video models reliably produce high-quality, physically accurate and safe outputs that match human preferences and values.
Responsibilities
Lead research initiatives in alignment and post-training methods for video generation models, focusing on improved quality, reliability, and adherence to human intent
Design and implement supervised fine-tuning and reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) pipelines for video generation models
Develop robust evaluation frameworks to measure model alignment, safety, and output quality
Create and optimize data collection pipelines for human feedback and preferences
Design and conduct experiments to validate alignment techniques and their scaling properties
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate alignment improvements into our production pipeline
Stay at the cutting edge of the field by regularly reviewing academic literature in both generative AI and alignment
Mentor junior researchers and foster a culture of responsible AI development
Work closely with product teams to ensure alignment methods enhance rather than inhibit model capabilities
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a closely related field
Must have:
Strong publication record in top-tier conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR) with a focus on reinforcement learning, alignment, or generative models
Extensive experience implementing and optimizing large-scale training pipelines using PyTorch
Deep understanding of reinforcement learning techniques, particularly RLHF
Experience with distributed training systems and large-scale experiments
Proven track record in designing and implementing robust evaluation frameworks
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
Strong software engineering skills and experience with complex shared codebases
Ideal candidate will have:
Experience with diffusion models or other generative architectures
Background in fine-tuning large language models or generative models
Experience working with human feedback data collection and annotation pipelines
Strong aesthetic sense and understanding of video quality assessment
Familiarity with alignment techniques such as constitutional AI or debate
Track record of successful collaboration with product teams
Experience with perceptual quality metrics and human evaluation design
Contributions to open-source projects in AI alignment or generative AI
Additional Information
Additional Information
The role is based in the Bay Area (San Francisco). Candidates are expected to be located near the Bay Area or open to relocation.
Genmo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. Genmo, Inc. is an E-Verify company and you may review the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Right to Work posters in English and Spanish.
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$95k-160k yearly est. 5d ago
Foundational AI Scientist (LLMs)
Aldea Inc. 3.9
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
An innovative AI startup in San Francisco is looking for a Foundational AI Research Scientist to pioneer next-generation large-language-model architectures. Ideal candidates will have a deep understanding of sequence modeling architectures, expertise in PyTorch, and experience in pre-training large language models. Join a dynamic team to help shape the future of intelligent human-machine interfaces.
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$48k-73k yearly est. 2d ago
Research Scientist
Openai 4.2
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
By applying to this role, you will be considered for Research Scientist roles across all teams at OpenAI. About The Role As a Research Scientist here, you will develop innovative machine learning techniques and advance the research agenda of the team you work on, while also collaborating with peers across the organization. We are looking for people who want to discover simple, generalizable ideas that work well even at large scale, and form part of a broader research vision that unifies the entire company.
We Expect You To
Have a track record of coming up with new ideas or improving upon existing ideas in machine learning, demonstrated by accomplishments such as first author publications or projects.
Possess the ability to own and pursue a research agenda, including choosing impactful research problems and autonomously carrying out long-running projects.
Be excited about OpenAI's approach to research.
Nice To Have
Interested in and thoughtful about the impacts of AI technology.
Past experience in creating high-performance implementations of deep learning algorithms.
About OpenAI
OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of the capabilities of AI systems and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products. AI is an extremely powerful tool that must be created with safety and human needs at its core, and to achieve our mission, we must encompass and value the many different perspectives, voices, and experiences that form the full spectrum of humanity.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr
$106k-174k yearly est. 5d ago
AI Research Scientist: Drug Discovery & Biomolecular Design
Menlo Ventures
Scientist job in San Francisco, CA
A leading AI research company in San Francisco is seeking an experienced AI Research Scientist to design and implement next-generation AI models for drug discovery. The role involves managing machine learning projects, developing AI pipelines, and integrating models into production systems. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field and over 5 years of experience with deep learning technologies like PyTorch or TensorFlow. Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits are offered in a collaborative startup environment.
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A leading technology company in San Francisco is seeking a research scientist focused on cell biology. The role involves developing methods for ultrasound characterization on neural tissue, conducting experiments, and translating findings to human studies. Ideal candidates will have a PhD or postdoc background and exceptional skills in neural techniques. This is an opportunity to be part of an innovative team dedicated to improving lives through technology.
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How much does a scientist earn in San Leandro, CA?
The average scientist in San Leandro, CA earns between $84,000 and $203,000 annually. This compares to the national average scientist range of $67,000 to $140,000.
Average scientist salary in San Leandro, CA
$131,000
What are the biggest employers of Scientists in San Leandro, CA?
The biggest employers of Scientists in San Leandro, CA are: