AI Research Fellowship, (Summer and Fall 2026)

Summary: DoorDash is a technology and logistics company aiming to empower local economies, and they are seeking researchers and engineers for their AI Research Fellowship program. The program focuses on solving applied ML and AI problems in local commerce, providing fellows with resources and mentorship to pursue ambitious research that can influence the company's operations at scale. Responsibilities: - Conduct independent research on applied ML and AI problems in local commerce - Propose and own research directions within priority areas - Utilize DoorDash's research infrastructure and operational data for experimentation - Participate in onboarding and scoping the research agenda with a sponsor - Engage in focused research work with regular check-ins and presentations - Collaborate with a cohort of fellows and share ideas and drafts - Publish research findings at top venues and receive publication support Required Qualifications: - You're a researcher with a strong track record — PhD candidates (rising 4th year or beyond), recent PhDs, or independent researchers with published work at top ML venues or equivalent demonstrated output - You're an engineer with deep research instincts who have shipped ambitious ML or systems work and want dedicated time to pursue a research direction - You can operate independently — set a research agenda, scope it, and execute without heavy supervision - You have strong written and verbal communication; comfort presenting work to mixed research and engineering audiences Required Skills: Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Research Publication, Data Analysis, Simulation Environment Development, Long-Horizon Planning, Multimodal Understanding, Forecasting, Pricing Models, Personalization, Evaluation, Measurement of ML Systems Benefits: Housing stipend, Relocation stipend, Wellness reimbursement benefit, Access to an employee assistance program, In-office lunch credits