Research Scientist, Physical AI - Foundation Models - PhD New College Grad 2026
At a glance
Mid-level AI Research role at NVIDIA. US, CA, Santa Clara · full-time · $168,000–$264,500 base.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Create generative algorithms for physical AI, with particular attention to video and video-language models
- Build data pipelines that prepare high-quality training material for generative and physical AI systems
- Develop physics simulations for training physical AI, then scale foundation-model training across large GPU systems
- Publish research findings and work with internal teams and outside researchers to advance them
- Help move research into technology and contribute to open-source projects
What you bring
- A PhD in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a related area, or equivalent experience
- Strong command of PyTorch and related libraries for generative and physical AI development
- Expertise in diffusion, vision-language and reasoning models, reinforcement learning, physics simulation and 3D generative models
Who this fits
This role suits a research scientist who wants to develop physical-AI foundation models and take research toward practical systems. It is titled for a 2026 PhD new-college graduate and is a full-time position.
From the employer
Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of AI at the intersection of the digital and physical worlds? Join our groundbreaking research team as we revolutionize the future of physical AI through groundbreaking generative models. We are now hiring Research Scientists to join our Cosmos team!
As a Research Scientist specializing in Generative AI for Physical AI, you'll be at the forefront of developing next-generation algorithms that bridge the gap between virtual and physical realms. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology and have access to massive computational resources to bring your ideas to life.
What you'll be doing:
Pioneer revolutionary generative AI algorithms for physical AI applications, with a focus on advanced video generative models and video-language models
Architect and implement sophisticated data processing pipelines that produce premium-quality training data for Generative AI and Physical AI systems
Design and develop cutting-edge physics simulation algorithms that enhance Physical AI training
Scale and optimize large-scale training systems to efficiently harness the power of 20,000+ GPUs for training foundation models
Author influential research papers to share your groundbreaking discoveries with the global AI community
Drive innovation through close collaboration with research teams, diverse internal product groups, and external researchers
Build lasting impact by facilitating technology transfer and contributing to open-source initiatives
What we need to see:
PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Deep expertise in PyTorch and related libraries for Generative AI and Physical AI development
Strong foundation in diffusion, vision language and reasoning models and their applications
Proven experience with reinforcement learning algorithms and implementations
Robust knowledge of physics simulation and its integration with AI systems
Demonstrated proficiency in 3D generative models and their applications
Ways to stand out from the crowd:
Publications or contributions to major AI conferences (ICLR, NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, ECCV, SIGGRAPH, ICCV, etc.)
Experience with large-scale distributed training systems
Background in robotics or physical systems
Open-source contributions to prominent AI projects
History of successful research-to-product transitions
You'll be part of a team that's defining the future of Physical AI, with access to world-class computing resources and the opportunity to work on problems that matter. Your research won't just live in papers – it will be implemented in real-world systems that push the boundaries of what's possible in AI. Join us in shaping the future of AI where digital intelligence meets physical reality. NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us. Are you a creative and autonomous research scientist with a genuine passion for advancing the state of AI? If so, we want to hear from you!
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD.You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until September 27, 2026.This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.