Research Scientist, Robotics

Research Scientist, Robotics – Basis Research Institute

$/yr – $/yr

Basis is a nonprofit applied AI research organization focused on understanding and building intelligence, and advancing society’s ability to solve intractable problems.

Research scientists lead Basis’ efforts to deepen understanding of the conceptual, mathematical, and computational principles of intelligence. We seek technically excellent individuals who value probing foundations and are comfortable exploring radical ideas.

• MARA – Modeling, Abstraction & Reasoning Agents

  MARA operationalizes abstractions through software agents that propose hypotheses, run experiments, and revise world models. A new branch aims to bring MARA into the physical world with embodied agents.

• R-ADA – Rational Automated Design Agent

  R-ADA automates robotics co‑design, creating CAD models and optimizing robot morphology with controllers. It uses simulation and real‑world tests to iteratively improve designs.

• PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant quantitative field such as Robotics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering.
• Hands‑on experience with real‑world robots, including APIs, real‑time control, camera systems, and robotic perception.
• Experience with machine learning in robotics, such as deep learning for vision and language, imitation reinforcement learning, and techniques for robust generalization.
• Demonstrated first‑class scientific research, with publications in venues like CoRL, ICRA, RSS, NeurIPS, or ICML.
• Strong software engineering skills.
• Excitement about solving real‑world problems with societal impact.

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and deployment of foundational robotic control systems.
• Collaborate with domain experts on scientific and societal challenge problems involving robotic interaction.
• Develop and maintain open‑source software.
• Publish and present findings in journals and conferences (optional).
• Contribute to the culture and direction of Basis.

• Position type: Full‑time (full‑time)
• Hours: Flexible with required in‑person collaboration; availability for meetings and in‑person events.
• Location: In‑person in either New York City or Cambridge, MA.
• Compensation: $120,000–$180,000 per year; competitive bonuses.