Research Scientist, Mechanistic Interpretability, DeepMind

Google LLC; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DeepMind is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to advance mechanistic interpretability of large language models, exploring self-conceptions, theory of mind, and model cognition. You will design experiments and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to push understanding of Gemini and related models.

The role emphasizes publishing findings, communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences, and contributing to safety-aligned AI research in a leading lab.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience in a technical field.
• 3+ years designing, executing, and analyzing empirical AI research.
• Experience using ML frameworks (PyTorch, JAX) to run experiments.
• Experience with large language model architectures and internal representations.
• Publication record in mechanistic interpretability, AI safety, or ML.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead a research agenda on mechanistic interpretability of LLMs, including self-conceptions, theory of mind, and cognition.
• Adapt and extend state-of-the-art mechanistic interpretability techniques to Gemini and other models.
• Design and execute experiments to identify internal vectors influencing model outputs.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or related field

Tools

PyTorch

JAX

Job description

Research Scientist, Mechanistic Interpretability, DeepMind

Share Research Scientist, Mechanistic Interpretability, DeepMind

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• PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a related technical field, or equivalent research experience.
• 3 years of experience designing, executing, and analyzing empirical research in AI.
• Experience using machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX) to run experiments.
• Experience working with large language model architectures and their internal representations.
• Experience communicating scientific concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Publication record in mechanistic interpretability, AI safety, or machine learning in peer-reviewed venues.
  

Preferred qualifications:

• Postdoctoral or equivalent industry research experience in mechanistic interpretability.
  
• Experience or demonstrated interest working across the cognitive sciences, philosophy of mind, psychology, or neuroscience.
• Experience evaluating concepts of selfhood, metacognition, and theory of mind in artificial systems.
• Experience translating foundational research into organizational impact, benchmarks, or open-source tools.
• Participation in, or mentorship of, specialized AI safety and interpretability research programs.
• Track record of interdisciplinary collaboration, especially bridging technical machine learning with philosophical concepts.

About the job

At DeepMind, we've built a unique culture and work environment where long-term ambitious research can flourish. We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our team and contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of mechanistic interpretability, cognitive science, and the philosophy of mind. You will investigate cognitive processes in large language models, helping us understand the inner workings of Gemini and other models and advancing the path toward safe, aligned Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

Artificial intelligence will be one of humanity’s most transformative inventions. At Google DeepMind, we are a pioneering AI lab with exceptional interdisciplinary teams focused on advancing AI development to solve complex global challenges and accelerate high-quality product innovation for billions of users. We use our technologies for widespread public benefit and scientific discovery, ensuring safety and ethics are always our highest priority.

We are pushing the boundaries across multiple domains. Our global teams offer diverse learning opportunities and varied career pathways for those driven to achieve exceptional results through collective effort.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead a novel research agenda focused on the mechanistic interpretability of Large Language Model (LLMs) including self-conceptions, theory of mind and social media platform-cognition.
• Adapt, and extend state-of-the‑art mechanistic interpretability techniques from the broader research community, applying them directly to Gemini and other models.
• Design and execute experiments to identify internal vectors and mechanisms that influence a model's outputs, especially where they appear reflective or pertain to its conception of itself and of other models.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with technical alignment teams, bridging interpretability research with broader AI safety and capabilities initiatives.
• Publish and communicate research findings through peer‑reviewed papers, internal technical reports, and presentations to academic and cross‑disciplinary audiences.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents‑to‑be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.