Zyphra is an artificial intelligence company based in San Francisco, California.

The Role

As a Research Engineer - Model Architectures, you will be a core contributor to Zyphra’s AI Architecture Research Team. This will involve designing and rigorously testing novel model architectures and training methodologies, with a focus on improving core modeling capabilities (e.g., loss per flop or loss per parameter) and addressing fundamental bottlenecks in contemporary models. You will also work extremely closely with our pre-training team, who will integrate your insights into our next-generation models.

What We're Looking For / Requirements

Strong research taste and intuition

The ability to work through a research project from conception to execution to write-up

Strong implementation and prototyping ability can take an idea from conception to experimentation extremely quickly

The ability to work well and cooperate with others in a high-paced research setting

Curiosity, interest, and joy in understanding intelligence.

Qualifications / Additional Skills

Previous experience with long-term memory, RAG/retrieval systems, dynamic/adaptive computation, and alternative approaches to credit assignment

Experience with reinforcement learning, control theory, and signal processing

Generally, a joy in inventing and seriously assessing ‘crazy’ ideas, and the ability to have a unique perspective on things

Understanding of modern training pipelines and the hardware requirements to design efficient architectures for GPU hardware

Strong grasp of proper experimental methodology for running rigorous ablations and other hypothesis testing

High proficiency with PyTorch and Python.

Strong ability to jump into large pre-existing codebases and rapidly get up to speed and become productive

Previously published machine learning research in well-respected venues

Postgraduate degree in a scientific subject (Computer Science, EE/EECS, Math, Physics)

Why Work at Zyphra

Our research methodology is to make grounded, methodical steps toward ambitious goals. Both deep research and engineering excellence are equally valued

We strongly value new and crazy ideas and are very willing to bet big on new ideas

We move as quickly as we can; we aim to minimize the bar to impact as low as possible

We all enjoy what we do and love discussing AI

Benefits and Perks

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and FSA plans

Competitive compensation and 401(k) plan

Relocation and immigration support on a case-by-case basis

In-office snacks and meals provided

Unlimited PTO and company holidays

In-person team in San Francisco with a collaborative, high-energy environment