Research Engineer - Model Architectures

ZYPHRA IS AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COMPANY BASED IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. THE ROLE: As a Research Engineer • Model Architectures, you will be a core contributor to Zyphra’s AI Architecture Research Team. This will involve designing and rigorously testing novel model architectures and training methodologies, with a focus on improving core modeling capabilities (e.g., loss per flop or loss per parameter) and addressing fundamental bottlenecks in contemporary models. You will also work extremely closely with our pre-training team, who will integrate your insights into our next-generation models. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR / REQUIREMENTS: • Strong research taste and intuition • The ability to work through a research project from conception to execution to write-up • Strong implementation and prototyping ability can take an idea from conception to experimentation extremely quickly • The ability to work well and cooperate with others in a high-paced research setting • Curiosity, interest, and joy in understanding intelligence. QUALIFICATIONS / ADDITIONAL SKILLS: • Previous experience with long-term memory, RAG/retrieval systems, dynamic/adaptive computation, and alternative approaches to credit assignment • Experience with reinforcement learning, control theory, and signal processing • Generally, a joy in inventing and seriously assessing ‘crazy’ ideas, and the ability to have a unique perspective on things • Understanding of modern training pipelines and the hardware requirements to design efficient architectures for GPU hardware • Strong grasp of proper experimental methodology for running rigorous ablations and other hypothesis testing • High proficiency with PyTorch and Python. • Strong ability to jump into large pre-existing codebases and rapidly get up to speed and become productive • Previously published machine learning research in well-respected venues • Postgraduate degree in a scientific subject (Computer Science, EE/EECS, Math, Physics) WHY WORK AT ZYPHRA: • Our research methodology is to make grounded, methodical steps toward ambitious goals. Both deep research and engineering excellence are equally valued • We strongly value new and crazy ideas and are very willing to bet big on new ideas • We move as quickly as we can; we aim to minimize the bar to impact as low as possible • We all enjoy what we do and love discussing AI BENEFITS AND PERKS: • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and FSA plans • Competitive compensation and 401(k) plan • Relocation and immigration support on a case-by-case basis • In-office snacks and meals provided • Unlimited PTO and company holidays • In-person team in San Francisco with a collaborative, high-energy environment