AI Researcher

Octave X; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading AI research firm is seeking a Researcher to prototype and validate new approaches in formal methods and AI interpretability. The role includes publishing, collaborating with engineering teams, and advancing trustworthy AI research from theory to deployment. Ideal candidates will have a PhD and strong skills in Python and ML stacks, along with a solid publication record. This full-time position offers a competitive salary of $190,000 to $290,000 plus equity, with options for remote work.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research track record in ML, formal methods, or adjacent field.
• Strong publication history or applied research impact.
• Proficiency building research prototypes in Python and modern ML stacks.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel approaches to verifiable AI behavior.
• Design and run experiments across safety and quality benchmarks.
• Collaborate with engineering to bring research to production.

Skills

Research prototypes in Python

Formal methods knowledge

Mathematical proficiency

Systems thinking

Education

PhD or equivalent research track

Job description

You will prototype and validate new research directions across formal methods, safety, and model interpretability. The role involves publishing, collaborating with engineering teams, and translating ideas into deployable systems.

Chicago, IL or Remote (US) Full-time $190,000 - $290,000 USD + equity

Role Snapshot

Team

Research

Location

Chicago, IL or Remote (US)

Compensation

$190,000 - $290,000 USD + equity

About The Role

What You Will Build

Advance formal verification, alignment, and trustworthy AI methods.

• Develop novel approaches to verifiable and controllable AI behavior.
• Design and run rigorous experiments across safety and quality benchmarks.
• Publish and present research internally and externally.
• Collaborate with engineering to bring research to production.
• Shape long-term technical direction for safe AI at Octave‑X.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research track record in ML, formal methods, or adjacent field.
• Strong publication history or applied research impact.
• Excellent math and systems thinking.
• Proficiency building research prototypes in Python and modern ML stacks.
• Ability to move between theoretical and product constraints.

Nice to Have

• Research in type theory, theorem proving, or program synthesis.
• Experience with alignment, red‑teaming, or adversarial robustness.
• Track record of shipping research into real products.