aimlroles

Research Scientist – World Modeling, Data

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–$400,000 base.

SalaryStated by Institute of Foundation Models
$150,000 – $400,000
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
The range includes the market median of $274,500 for mid-level AI research roles in Sunnyvale.
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–$400,000
PostedSep 4, 2026 · 6w ago
Role brief

aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

  • Design and run systems that gather, screen, annotate and prepare visual data at billion scale for training
  • Build data approaches for motion scoring, camera control and video understanding
  • Convert human data work into automated systems whose results can be checked quantitatively

What you bring

  • You can develop and operate advanced systems for large-scale visual data curation and model training
  • You can turn human-led work into automated processes with performance that can be measured

Who this fits

This role suits a mid-level research scientist focused on data systems for world modeling. It is based onsite 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.

Position Summary

We are looking for Research Scientists to tackle the data problems that determine our world model capabilities. You will design, develop, and run state-of-the-art systems for curating, ingesting, filtering, annotating, and training with billion-scale visual data. You will work on problems including, but not limited to, motion scoring, camera control, and video understanding. You will translate our team’s human efforts into durable automated systems, whose performance is quantitatively verifiable.

Benefits Include *Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits *Bonus *401K Plan *Generous paid time off, sick leave and holidays *Paid Parental Leave *Employee Assistance Program *Life insurance and disability