Research Scientist - NLP
Institute of Foundation Models Open · verified Oct 22, 2026 On-site Sunnyvale Full-time Mid-level AI Research
At a glance
Mid-level AI Research role at Institute of Foundation Models. Sunnyvale · full-time · $150,000–$450,000 base.
SalaryStated by Institute of Foundation Models
$150,000 – $450,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from Institute of Foundation ModelsOur estimate for the market: $195,000–$300,000Median $274,500
Worked out from 7 postings that stated pay, median $274,500. Last updated Oct 6, 2026.
RoleAI Research
SeniorityMid-level
LocationSunnyvale
WorkplaceOn-site
EmploymentFull-time
Base pay$150,000–$450,000
PostedMar 17, 2025 · 1y ago
Role brief
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Improve how large language models handle their target tasks, including through new designs and better pre-training
- Build NLP training and prediction algorithms, using ML infrastructure to optimize models and process data
- Connect language-model methods with other systems, including computer vision models
- Spot gaps in current technology and work with research teams and stakeholders on more efficient LLM methods
- Share findings through technical papers and reports, and represent the research at industry events
What you bring
- A master’s in computer science or a related technical area, or equivalent hands-on experience
- Experience with generative AI models or methods, plus software development and data structures or algorithms
- Strong troubleshooting, communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work through ambiguity
Who this fits
This role suits a mid-level researcher who can build NLP systems and contribute to work on large language models. The job is based on-site in Sunnyvale.
From the employer
About the Institute of Foundation Models
We are a dedicated research lab for building, understanding, using, and risk-managing foundation models. Our mandate is to advance research, nurture the next generation of AI builders, and drive transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy.
As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work on the core of cutting-edge foundation model training, alongside world-class researchers, data scientists, and engineers, tackling the most fundamental and impactful challenges in AI development. You will participate in the development of groundbreaking AI solutions that have the potential to reshape entire industries. Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will be instrumental in establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving impactful discoveries that inspire the next generation of AI pioneers.
The Role As a Research Scientist specializing in Natural Language Processing (NLP) with a focus on large language models and deep learning, your role will be crucial in advancing cutting-edge language processing technologies and contributing to the development of intelligent systems. You will be responsible for a wide range of tasks encompassing research, development, and implementation of NLP solutions, with a particular emphasis on Python coding, machine learning techniques, and deep learning methodologies.
The Role As a Research Scientist specializing in Natural Language Processing (NLP) with a focus on large language models and deep learning, your role will be crucial in advancing cutting-edge language processing technologies and contributing to the development of intelligent systems. You will be responsible for a wide range of tasks encompassing research, development, and implementation of NLP solutions, with a particular emphasis on Python coding, machine learning techniques, and deep learning methodologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the research of technology for improving the efficiency of Large Language Model (LLM) while performing target capabilities or supporting many capabilities, such as novel architectures and improved pre-training.
- Design and implement NLP algorithms for model training and prediction, leverage ML infrastructure, and contribute to model optimization and data processing, using Pytorch or other frameworks.
- Integrate and improve LLM algorithms to work with other models such as computer vision models
- Identify defined problems/gaps in existing technology and engage other Research teams, stakeholders and leaders to expand efficient LLM technology.
- Collaborate with peers and stakeholders through design and code reviews to ensure best practices amongst available technologies.
- Write up results in design documents, technical reports, and papers for publication.
- Represent MBZUAI at industry conferences and events, showcasing the institution’s cutting-edge HPC and deep learning capabilities and establishing MBZUAI as a global leader in AI research and innovation.
- Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualifications
- Minimum: Master’s in Computer Science, a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
- Preferred: PhD or equivalent research experience in Natural Language Processing
Professional Experience - Minimum
- Experience with state-of-the-art Gen AI techniques and models (e.g., LLMs, Multi-Modal, Large Vision Models) or with Gen AI-related concepts (e.g., language modeling, computer vision).
- Experience with software development in one or more programming languages (e.g. Python, C++), and with data structures/algorithms.
- Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to address complex technical challenges.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with cross functional teams.
- Ability to effectively navigate ambiguity.
Professional Experience - Preferred
- Experience leading research efforts and influencing other researchers.
- Experience with efficiency, modularity or related topics for LLMs.
- Experience with ML infrastructure (e.g., model deployment, model evaluation, optimization, data processing, debugging).
- Experience with design and optimization of algorithms in performance constrained environments (e.g., mobile).
- Experience in innovative research, contributing to research communities including publishing in forums (e.g., ACL, EMNLP, NAACL, EACL, COLING, ICLR, AAAI, NeurIPS).