Join Goodfire as a Forward Deployed Research Scientist to lead research in AI interpretability and computational biology.
Posted by employer 1 year ago
First seen on Joblaze 2 months ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
Skills & Technologies
AI in the day-to-day
We are advancing the science of how AI systems actually work and interpreting advanced biological foundation models.
Requirements
- Experience
- 0+ years
- Education
- PhD
Not disclosed in this posting: visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
The Forward Deployed Research Scientist at Goodfire focuses on conducting original research in interpretability and computational biology, working directly with customers to develop techniques for understanding large biological models. This role requires a strong background in biology and machine learning, particularly with large models, as well as proficiency in Python and ML frameworks like PyTorch. Ideal candidates are those with a PhD or MD and experience in fast-paced environments, who are driven to take ownership of their projects and contribute to the mission of making AI systems more interpretable.
Joblaze insights
- Listed about 2 months ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Goodfire's careers page November 6, 2026.
- Salary band is above the typical range for AI/ML roles (median ~$190,000).
- Starts above 73% of 213 comparable senior ai/ml roles in United States that list Python we track (median $182,000 across 73 companies). See Python salary trends
- Python appears in 53.8% of 560 comparable senior ai/ml roles in United States; bioinformatics appears in 0.7% of 560 comparable senior ai/ml roles in United States.
Quick facts
- Is the Forward Deployed Research Scientist, Life Sciences role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in San Francisco, CA.
- What's the salary range?
- Goodfire lists $220,000–$315,000 for this role.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 0 years of relevant experience for this Forward Deployed Research Scientist, Life Sciences role.
- Where is the role based?
- Goodfire is hiring for this position in San Francisco, CA.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: AI/ML, Computational Biology, PyTorch, Python, bioinformatics.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Goodfire targets senior candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Forward Deployed Research Scientist, Life Sciences role at Goodfire.
From the original posting
About Goodfire
About the role
Scientific AI models trained to model natural systems are revolutionizing research across scientific domains, including protein interaction prediction, protein design, disease prediction, and materials discovery. We’re looking for a Forward Deployed Research Scientist (Biology) to join our team to work directly with customers to develop new techniques for understanding and designing large biological foundation models. You’ll work closely with a small, mission-driven team of scientists and engineers to conduct novel research, build practical tools, and push the field forward.
Where you might contribute:
- Forward deployed research – lead scientific research with our partners to interpret advanced biological foundation models (genomic foundation models, ViTs, PLMs) to uncover what they’ve learned.
- Project delivery and implementation – own research delivery on high-stakes projects with customers and do whatever it takes to make delivery successful, including: problem and hypothesis definition, data sourcing, tool building, iteration, and implementation. Translate research into tools for real-world applications in precision medicine, digital pathology, drug discovery, and more.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work directly with customers to conduct original research in interpretability and computational biology.
- Prototype techniques to visualize and manipulate internal model structures.
- Collaborate with engineering to turn research into production-ready tools.
- Drive partnership success by collaborating closely with our customers and partners.
- Help define and evolve our research direction.
What you’ll bring
Required experience
- PhD/MD or equivalent experience in biology, with a strong ML background and experience in computational biology or bioinformatics.
- Deep familiarity with large models and a passion for understanding how they work.
- Fluency in Python and ML frameworks such as PyTorch.
- Strong writing and communication skills for explaining complex ideas.
- Drive to move quickly and take ownership.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience leading research in a forward deployed environment and in service of a customer’s requirements.
- Familiarity with interpretability, alignment, or safe model development.
- Experience in startup or fast-paced lab environments.
The expected salary range for this position is $220,000 - $315,000 USD
Standard company text repeated across Goodfire's postings is omitted here.