Join Goodfire as a Research Scientist to develop techniques for understanding and steering large AI models with a mission-driven team.
Posted by employer 1 year ago
First seen on Joblaze 2 months ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
Role intensity
70% hands-on coding
AI in the day-to-day
Goodfire is advancing the science of AI interpretability and developing tools for understanding AI models.
Requirements
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Education
- PhD
Not disclosed in this posting: visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
In the role of Research Scientist at Goodfire, the individual will focus on developing innovative techniques to enhance the interpretability of large AI models. Key skills include a PhD in a relevant field, proficiency in Python and ML frameworks like PyTorch, and a strong understanding of model dynamics. This position is ideal for experienced researchers who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about advancing AI safety and usability. Goodfire's mission-driven team emphasizes collaboration and rapid progress in the evolving landscape of AI research.
Joblaze insights
- Listed about 2 months ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Goodfire's careers page November 2, 2026.
- Salary band is in line with the typical range for AI/ML roles (median ~$190,000).
- Starts above 57% of 206 comparable senior ai/ml roles in United States that list Python we track (median $182,000 across 71 companies). See Python salary trends
- Python appears in 53.2% of 554 comparable senior ai/ml roles in United States; PyTorch appears in 18.4% of 554 comparable senior ai/ml roles in United States.
Quick facts
- Is the Research Scientist role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in San Francisco, CA.
- What's the salary range?
- Goodfire lists $200,000–$400,000 for this role.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 3 years of relevant experience for this Research Scientist 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: PyTorch, Python.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Goodfire targets senior candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Research Scientist role at Goodfire.
From the original posting
About Goodfire
About the role
We’re looking for a Research Scientist to join our team and develop new techniques for understanding and steering large AI 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:
- Interpretability mechanisms – Foundational research on how models represent and process information.
- Moonshots – High-upside bets on novel techniques that could unlock breakthroughs in model understanding.
- Applied research & usability – Translating research into tools for real-world users and enterprise applications.
We’ll determine your pod placement during the interview process based on your background and interests.
Key responsibilities:
- Conduct original research in interpretability and related fields.
- Prototype techniques to visualize and manipulate internal model structures.
- Collaborate with engineering to turn research into production-ready tools.
- Share your work through publications, demos, and open-source contributions.
- Help define and evolve our research direction.
What you’ll bring
Required experience
- PhD or equivalent experience in ML, computer science, or a quantitative science.
- 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 or contributing to open-source codebases.
- Familiarity with interpretability, alignment, or safe model development.
- Experience in startup or fast-paced lab environments.
The expected salary range for this position is $200,000 - $400,000 USD
Standard company text repeated across Goodfire's postings is omitted here.