AI Research Scientist, Embodied AI (PhD)

Meta is seeking a researcher to join Meta 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, perception, representation learning, robot control, navigation, mobile manipulation, dexterous manipulation, vision-language models, and contextually aware AI. The ideal candidate should have a keen interest in producing new, open science to make embodied agents more intelligent.

Some research directions of interest are:

- Investigate algorithmic development and application of foundation models for embodied AI and/or robotics
- Representation learning for Embodied AI tasks
- Developing the next generation of simulation platforms for embodied AI research (e.g. AI Habitat)
- Sim-to-real transfer
- Planning and learning for dynamic in-hand manipulation tasks
- Performing broad dexterous and functional manipulation (rigid to deformable objects; in-hand to against the environment) in a generalizable manner
- Tactile and multimodal perception
- Continual learning in interactive environments
- Long-horizon reasoning for Embodied AI tasks in human environments given natural-language instructions, like “clean up the house”, or “where are my glasses”
- Developing efficient models deployable to robots and hardwareAI Research Scientist, Embodied AI (PhD) Responsibilities

• Perform fundamental and applied research to push the scientific and technological frontiers of embodied artificial intelligence.
• Invent/improve novel data-driven paradigms for embodied intelligence, including AR, VR, and 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.
• Conduct research towards long-term ambitious research goals while identifying intermediate milestones.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience. Degree must be completed prior to joining Meta.
• Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a PhD degree in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Language, a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Degree must be completed prior to joining Meta.
• 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, digital agents, vision language models, computer vision, egocentric perception, LLMs, NLP, and/or tool usage.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks (such as pytorch, tensorflow) and Python.
• Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.

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).
• Demonstrated research and software engineering experience via an internship, work experience, coding competitions, or widely used contributions in open source repositories (e.g. GitHub).
• Experience with manipulating and analyzing complex, large scale, high-dimensionality data from varying sources.
• Experience building systems based on machine learning and/or deep learning methods.
• Experience solving complex problems and comparing alternative solutions, tradeoffs, and diverse points of view to determine a path forward.
• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment.
• Experience with robotics frameworks like ROS, along with experience working with robot simulations and real-world hardware.

For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information. LocationsAbout 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.
$117,000/year to $173,000/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.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations) in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to accommodations-ext@meta.com.