Research Analyst - Reinforcement Learning; RL

About Semi Analysis

Semi Analysis is an independent research and analysis firm specializing in the Semiconductor and AI industries. Our in‑depth coverage spans the entire supply chain, from semiconductor fabrication processes to cutting‑edge AI models, software, and infrastructure. We are recognized as the leading authority on the semiconductor supply chain, with the highest concentration of industry experts within one team, and a deep‑rooted passion for delving into the intricacies.

We are expanding our team to deepen our coverage of the broader AI ecosystem and its impact on real‑world industries. This is an opportunity to join a fast‑growing, intellectually rigorous, and globally recognized team that influences strategic decisions at the highest levels. At Semi Analysis, you’ll work directly with senior analysts and decision‑makers across financial markets, hyperscalers, energy companies, and governments.

Our culture is collaborative, flat, and fast‑paced—offering the chance to shape high‑impact research in a space undergoing unprecedented technological disruption.

We’re hiring a Research Analyst – Reinforcement Learning (RL) to study how RL techniques are shaping the economics, scalability, and deployment of modern AI systems. This role focuses on both foundational research and applied implications across training efficiency, inference behaviour, and real‑world use cases. Your work will inform Semi Analysis’s broader AI Economics and Tokenomics research by evaluating how RL impacts cost curves, performance ceilings, and system design.

This is a full‑time role based in the United States.

• Research advancements in reinforcement learning and their impact on AI system efficiency.
• Analyze how RL affects training cost, inference behaviour, and deployment complexity.
• Evaluate RL‑driven systems across robotics, simulation, decision‑making, and LLM alignment.
• Connect RL research trends to infrastructure and economic implications.
• Support forecasts on AI capability growth and cost trajectories.

• Background in ML/AI with exposure to reinforcement learning.
• Strong research instincts and analytical rigor.
• Interest in the economic consequences of algorithmic design.
• Comfortable operating between theory and applied systems.
• Full‑time role based in the United States.

• At Semi Analysis, you’re placed directly inside the most important conversations shaping the future of AI and semiconductors. You’ll develop a first‑principles understanding of the technical and economic dynamics behind the world’s most consequential technology, with rare end‑to‑end visibility across the entire stack—from silicon and systems to models, software, and real‑world deployment. Our work is read and relied upon by the people allocating capital, building infrastructure, and setting strategy across the industry, giving your research and analysis real, measurable impact.
• The environment is built for learning and autonomy. You’ll have the freedom to chase interesting ideas, dig into emerging trends early, and continuously expand your technical and economic toolkit, supported by generous PTO, office stipends, competitive healthcare (medical, dental, vision), and support for conferences and ongoing learning.

Location:

San Francisco, CA (United States). Salary: $122,100–$134,400. Full‑time, United States.