Research Scientist, World Model Post-Training
Required skills
- deep learning
- generative modeling
- world model
- post-training
- reinforcement learning
- foundational models
- JAX
- TensorFlow 2
- PyTorch
- diffusion models
Nice to have
- post-training of foundational models
- distillation
- autonomous vehicles
Role summary
Waymo AI Foundations team is seeking a Research Scientist to conduct applied world model research and development, focusing on post-training of large generative models. This hybrid role involves designing and evaluating experiments, leveraging AI for code and workflow automation, and collaborating with Alphabet research teams. The ideal candidate will have a Masters or PhD in deep learning with generative/world modeling expertise, 3+ years of experience with deep learning frameworks, and experience with diffusion/flow matching and reinforcement learning. Preferred qualifications include experience with foundational model post-training, distillation, and autonomous vehicles.
Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
The mission of the Waymo AI Foundations team is to develop machine learning solutions addressing open problems in autonomous driving, towards the goal of safely operating Waymo vehicles in dozens of cities and under all driving conditions. As part of our work, we also initiate and foster collaborations with other research teams in Alphabet. AI Foundations areas that we are currently focusing on include reinforcement learning, learning from demonstration, generative modeling, Bayesian inference, hierarchical learning, and robust evaluation.
In this hybrid role, you will report to a Software Engineering Manager.
You will:
You have:
We prefer:
The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
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