Senior Researcher, Machine Learning Engineer

Summary: foundry10 is an education research organization focused on expanding ideas about learning and creating value for youth. The Senior Researcher, Machine Learning Engineer will be a core team member on a new multi-project focused ML Learning Team, involving independent research, analysis, and collaboration to enhance student learning outcomes. Responsibilities: - Work collaboratively within the ML project team to provide new and interesting ideas for lines of research, outputs, tool development and/or other avenues to improve learning outcomes and opportunities for young people - Collaborate to define output goals for the project team - Participate in conceiving, designing, and evaluating, ML software and related hardware - Develop predictive analytics, statistical modeling, data mining and machine learning algorithms - Assist in crafting interesting and important questions regarding education in a technologically advancing world, specifically around the intersections of ML/AI in learning spaces - Represent foundry10 at conferences, within publications, and face-to-face with a variety of community partners - Actively read and engage with current research/techniques/technologies and bring new knowledge to the organization and their teams as a result of engagement with relevant topics - Use various qualitative and quantitative methodologies, analysis strategies, and study designs as needed to address current research questions - Make informed decisions about when to extend vs. redirect or close off lines of inquiry, depending on progress and likelihood of yielding useful and actionable insights - Lead operations and partnership tasks (e.g., coordination of external data collection services, communication with external partners) as needed Required Qualifications: - PhD in Machine Learning or related discipline, with 2-5 years relevant post-PhD work experience - Experience with Transformer-based Models (e.g. GPT, Llama) - Practical experience independently leading and conducting applied research with minimal supervision - Experience with machine learning data structures and models, software architecture, framework, and libraries - End to End project design, execution and completion - Experience on a variety of projects with multiple stakeholders - Experience with design/development of software tools, preferably for a variety of age groups - Nuanced understanding of technology in the life of kids both generally and within education contexts - Nuanced understanding of AI tools, their strengths, limitations, and the direction of development - Strong background in research ethics, particularly research ethics involving children and adolescents - Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, in interpersonal and research settings - Ability to gain background knowledge and expertise in other fields within foundry10's research domains and interest areas that may intersect with your projects - Proficiency with R, Python and relevant ML libraries - Ability to manage time and track several project timelines at once - Ability to work self-sufficiently and identify areas where processes could be improved - Ability to cross multiple subject areas and quickly gain a basic understanding of new areas - Ability to work collaboratively with researchers from other fields and specializations - Ability to ask questions that deviate from the status quo to pursue innovative ways to approach learning - Ability to manage and mentor junior researchers Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in both academia and industry preferred - Experience mentoring and/or managing students, junior researchers, and/or research staff Required Skills: Machine Learning, Transformer-based Models, Applied Research, Software Architecture, ML Libraries, Python, R, Statistical Modeling, Data Mining, Research Ethics Benefits: A 4-day workweek, A flexible and hybrid work schedule, Full Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and their dependents, $1,500 yearly education stipend, $3,000 yearly wellness and hobby stipend, before taxes, Generous paid time off that includes: 4 weeks of vacation time annually and additional accrual with tenure, 12 paid holidays, 56 hours of paid sick and safe leave frontloaded annually, Week-long office closures twice a year - each summer and winter, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance paid fully by foundry10