Tech Lead Manager, AI Research (Robotics)

Meta is seeking a Research Scientist to lead and support a group of researchers at Fundamental AI Research (FAIR), a research organization focused on making significant progress in AI. Individuals in this role are expected to be recognized experts in identified research areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and embodied AI, particularly including areas such as transfer learning, learning from demonstration, reinforcement learning, action-conditioned world models, perception, representation learning, robot control, navigation, mobile manipulation, dexterous manipulation, and vision-language models. The research scientist in in this role will operate in a high degree of ambiguity and be capable of supporting a productive, highly flexible team spanning multiple research topics, and embracing a thoughtful and ambitious approach to both short-term and long-term problem-solving.Tech Lead Manager, AI Research (Robotics) Responsibilities

• Define and own the technical roadmap for a critical area of research, and support a team of research scientists and/or managers on long-term fundamental and applied research projects to push the scientific and technological frontiers of embodied artificial intelligence.
• Invent/improve novel data-driven paradigms for robotics, leveraging a variety of modalities (images, video, text, audio, tactile, etc).
• Investigate paradigms that can deliver a spectrum of embodied behaviors - from simulated characters to real robots, and from short-horizon, low-level to long-horizon, high-level intelligence.
• Develop algorithms based on state-of-the-art machine learning and neural network methodologies.
• Define, build and benchmark new capabilities needed for the next generation of AI.
• Communicate cross-functionally and drive internal and external research collaborations, managing partner engagement and building future opportunities.
• Communicate strategy, project objectives and reasoning to the team leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• PhD degree in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Language, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with any of the following research areas: robotics, motion planning, embodied AI, human-robot interaction, sim-to-real transfer, learning from demonstration, reinforcement learning, dexterous manipulation, vision language models, computer vision, egocentric perception, and/or LLMs.
• Leadership experience driving high-risk, high reward projects scientifically, including managing a team of research scientists and communicating to leadership.
• Demonstrated experience in managing technical teams, including performance management.
• Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.
• 5+ years of industry experience in relevant robotics related research areas, such as: robot learning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, action-conditioned world models, task and motion planning, sim-to-real transfer robotic control, manipulation, navigation, or generally embodied AI.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as publications at leading workshops, journals or conferences in Machine Learning (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR), Robotics (ICRA, IROS, RSS, CoRL), Computer Vision (CVPR, ICCV, ECCV), or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience solving complex problems and comparing alternative solutions, tradeoffs, and diverse points of view to determine a path forward.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks (such as pytorch, tensorflow) and Python.
• Experience with robotics frameworks like ROS, along with experience working with robot simulations and real-world hardware.
• 7+ years of industry experience in relevant robotics related research areas, such as: robot learning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, action-conditioned world models, task and motion planning, sim-to-real transfer robotic control, manipulation, navigation, or generally embodied AI.
• 5+ years of people management experience of research scientists, including seeking and hiring quality talent, etc.
• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment.
• Experience communicating research for public audiences of peers.
• Leadership and interpersonal communication experience in working across many disciplines, driving best practices, and mentorship.

For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information. About Meta Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
213.000 $/year to 293.000 $/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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