Applied AI Scientist, Senior/Staff

SignalFire

Applied AI Scientist/Researcher developing advanced machine learning capabilities for SignalFire’s VC-backed startup portfolio. Translating research into production-ready AI products, evaluations, prototypes, and measurable customer outcomes.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence, with a strong foundation in deep learning, statistics, and experimental design. Proficient in developing and adapting models for real-world applications, while effectively communicating technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Machine Learning ExpertiseDeep Learning ProficiencyPython ProgrammingModel Evaluation and Fine-TuningNatural Language Processing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Machine LearningDeep LearningExperimental DesignModel TrainingModel Fine-TuningModel EvaluationNatural Language ProcessingGenerative AIComputer VisionReinforcement Learning

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsCollaborationMentoring

Tools & Technologies

PyTorchTensorFlowJAX

Certifications & Qualifications

Advanced Degree in Computer ScienceAdvanced Degree in Machine LearningAdvanced Degree in StatisticsAdvanced Degree in Mathematics

Industry Keywords

Artificial IntelligenceApplied ResearchModel ArchitectureData StrategiesAI StrategyPrototypesProduct ApplicationsTechnical StandardsResearch CultureOpen-Source Contributions

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonPyTorchTensorflow

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Research, develop, and evaluate machine learning methods that improve product capabilities and customer outcomes
Design experiments for model architectures, training approaches, data strategies, and system designs
Adapt foundation models through fine-tuning, post-training, prompt optimization, retrieval, and related techniques
Develop evaluation frameworks and benchmarks for model quality, reliability, safety, and performance
Build prototypes and proofs of concept for emerging AI techniques
Partner with AI/ML and software engineers to translate experiments into production systems
Improve model accuracy, reasoning, latency, efficiency, robustness, and cost
Curate, generate, and evaluate datasets for training, fine-tuning, and model assessment
Investigate model failures, edge cases, and unexpected behavior
Monitor relevant research and identify advances with practical product value
Communicate findings, tradeoffs, and technical recommendations to product, engineering, and executive stakeholders
Mentor scientists and contribute to research culture, technical standards, and AI roadmaps
Publish research, contribute to open-source projects, or represent the company in the technical community where appropriate
SignalFire reviews applications and may connect candidates with portfolio companies for suitable opportunities

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of experience in machine learning, artificial intelligence, applied research, or a related technical field
Strong foundation in deep learning, statistics, optimization, and experimental design
Experience developing or adapting models for real-world product applications
Expertise in one or more of natural language processing, generative AI, computer vision, multimodal learning, reinforcement learning, recommendation systems, or speech
Proficiency in Python and modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX
Experience with model training, fine-tuning, post-training, evaluation, or inference
Ability to design rigorous experiments and draw sound conclusions from incomplete or ambiguous results
Track record of translating research concepts into prototypes, production systems, or measurable product improvements
Ability to collaborate with research, engineering, product, and domain experts
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining complex technical concepts clearly
Staff-level candidates may be expected to define research direction, lead cross-functional initiatives, and influence broader AI strategy
Advanced degree in computer science, machine learning, statistics, mathematics, or a related field may be preferred; equivalent applied experience may be considered
Required application materials include full name, email, LinkedIn URL, resume/CV, and current or preferred working location

Benefits

Comp & perks

Profile visibility into exclusive early-stage opportunities that may not be publicly listed
Potential consideration for full-time, fractional/interim, or advisory opportunities
Ongoing profile retention for future roles across SignalFire’s portfolio
Occasional communications such as newsletters, insights, or invitations to community events (with opt-out option)
Ability to request updating or removing information from records