At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we're on a mission to improve the quality of human life. We're developing new tools and capabilities to amplify the human experience. To lead this transformative shift in mobility, we've built a world-class team in Energy & Materials, Human-Centered AI, Human Interactive Driving, and Robotics. TRI's Carbon Neutrality Department within our Human-Centered AI (HCAI) Division blends behavioral science, human-computer interaction research, and machine learning to understand, predict, and enable carbon neutral behavior. We are looking for an AI research scientist with expertise in and enthusiasm for machine learning research (e.g., foundation models, including training and fine-tuning on large, industrial-scale datasets). This researcher would work at the intersection of social science and generative AI, training and fine-tuning models representing human behaviors and cognitive processes, such as changes in beliefs and preferences over time. For an example of our research in this vein, please see here.
\n ResponsibilitiesCollaborate cross-functionally with specialists in multiple fields, as well as university partners, to research and develop technology that uses generative AI to understand human behavior and preferencesConduct daring research that integrates behavioral science concepts with machine learning methods to push the boundaries of knowledge and the state of the art in Human-Centered AI, including multi-modal models and time-varying language modelsStay current on the state-of-the-art in Machine Learning theories, practice, and softwareCollaborate with scientists in the Carbon Neutrality Department to shape and craft our research program and to communicate research to Toyota collaboratorsPublish findings in academic journals and/or conferencesContribute to technology transfer of research throughout Toyota QualificationsPhD in computer science, machine learning, computational social science, or related field3+ years of experience and shown ability in ML research or related projectsExperience with transformer models (e.g., language, vision), diffusion models, or multimodal modelsSkilled with fine-tuning approaches (e.g., LoRA)Experience in human-centered research (e.g. behavioral data science, computational social science, human-computer interaction), including qualitative and/or quantitative methods such as experiments and user studiesBroad knowledge of machine learning approaches and theoryWork collaboratively across subject areas and functionsTop-tier project management skills and desire to work on challenging open-ended research projectsProven track record of working autonomously while soliciting feedbackStrong interpersonal skills and great teammateStrong data science skills with proficiency in PythonProficiency in other big data languages and tools for cloud environments (e.g. Databricks, SQL, PySpark)Heavy interest in research to facilitate carbon neutralityAbility to communicate complex concepts clearly across different audiences Bonus QualificationsExperience with time series modeling and data analysisAbility to balance multiple projects, including short-term, targeted analyses and novel, innovative projects that may span several years
\nThe pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $165,760 and $248,640/year for California-based roles; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Note that TRI offers a generous benefits package (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave) and an annual cash bonus structure. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. Please reference this Candidate Privacy Notice to inform you of the categories of personal information that we collect from individuals who inquire about and/or apply to work for Toyota Research Institute, Inc. or its subsidiaries, including Toyota A.I. Ventures GP, L.P., and the purposes for which we use such personal information.
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