Senior AI Research Scientist (Model-based RL)

The role

Research Scientists lead the development of novel algorithmic architecture for intelligent control systems in the industrial sector. You will design and implement model-based reinforcement learning agents and develop learned dynamics and world models.

What you will do

• Design, implement, and evaluate model-based reinforcement learning agents
• Develop learned dynamics and world models
• Research and implement methods for safe RL, constrained control, scenario planning and Bayesian RL
• Report and present research findings internally and externally
• Participate in and organize collaborative research projects
• Mentor and guide Research Engineers
• Independently define new research directions
• Translate research into practical outcomes
• Own the development and rollout for an entire research area or large project

Required qualifications

• PhD in a technical field or equivalent practical experience
• Strong background in model-based reinforcement learning
• Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of: Planning algorithms, World models / learned dynamics surrogates, Reinforcement Learning and Deep Learning, Control Theory, Safe / constrained RL
• 2+ years of research experience in academia or industry after PhD graduation OR 5+ years of research experience in academia or industry after Master’s graduation
• Extensive research in the fields of {ModelBased, ModelFree, Safe} RL and Control Theory, with particular depth in model-based methods
• Hands-on experience building and evaluating agents against simulators and closing the sim-to-real gap
• Alignment with Phaidra's values: Agency, Velocity, Craft, & Truth

Nice to have

• PhD in machine learning, control, or a closely related field
• Deep, hands-on experience with model-based RL and planning agents applied to real-world dynamical or industrial systems
• Strong Python and PyTorch skills, including vectorized/differentiable simulators and scaling experiments on distributed compute (e.g., Ray, Kubernetes, GCP)
• A proven track record of publications in RL, control, or a related area
• A real passion for AI and applying it to industrial systems to improve resource efficiency

Benefits

• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• 100% remote company
• Competitive compensation & meaningful equity
• Outsized responsibilities & professional development
• Training is foundational; functional, customer immersion, and development training
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited paid time off, with a required minimum of 20 days per year
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible stipends to support your workspace, well-being, and continued professional development
• Company MacBook

Before you apply

• Must submit an online application
• Phaidra only hires individuals who are legally authorized to work in the specified location(s)
• Does not provide employment sponsorship
• Candidates who advance beyond the initial screening stage will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of employment authorization verification and applicable background checks

About the company

Phaidra creates AI-powered control systems for the industrial sector, enabling industrial facilities to automatically learn and improve over time. The company is 100% remote with no physical office.