Machine Learning Research Scientist

Are you ready to revolutionize the advertising industry? At Cognitiv, we are not just another AdTech company—we are industry trailblazers redefining media buying with our Deep Learning Advertising Platform. Since 2015, we have harnessed the power of cutting-edge deep learning technology and data science to transform how brands connect with their customers. Our mission? To bring intelligence to advertising and deliver unparalleled precision, relevance, and impact at scale.   With our innovative platform, advertisers enjoy unprecedented flexibility—whether it is activating Dynamic Deals through their preferred DSP, leveraging our managed service DSP, or utilizing our industry-first ContextGPT product. As a part of Cognitiv, you will be at the forefront of AI-driven advertising solutions, driving change and achieving remarkable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.  Life At Cognitiv   Our solutions provide advertisers with more time and freedom to concentrate on what matters to them most, both professionally and personally. We carry this philosophy into our workplace, offering our employees more chances to grow, collaborate, and achieve their goals. At Cognitiv, you will get MORE:   - Festiv - Fun and positivity are integral to our work environment. From cross-departmental games to friendly competitions and unique events, we ensure a dynamic and enthusiastic culture.   - Responsiv - Making a difference for our clients is at the heart of what we do. To make this one of our superpowers, we strive to create a culture of open communication and continuous learning. You will work closely with clients and key company stakeholders, sharpening your communication skills in a supportive environment where your input and ideas are valued and integral to our success.   - Inclusiv - Diversity and inclusion are more than just words to us—they are principles we live by.  We celebrate unique perspectives, ensuring everyone feels valued and respected.   - Inventiv - As industry pioneers, we continuously reinvent and reimagine solutions. Sharing our knowledge and expertise to educate and lead the market is part of our DNA. If you love questioning the status quo, pushing boundaries, and challenging conventional thinking, you will fit right in. We admire intellectual curiosity and encourage it at every turn.  - Transformativ - We invest in the continuous growth and development of our team members, celebrating their contributions and supporting their work-life balance and overall well-being. Our holistic training, onboarding programs, and professional growth and development initiatives ensure you have the resources to succeed.   - Collaborativ - We transcend geographical boundaries, seamlessly operating across two coasts. Our culture thrives on cross-departmental collaboration and a unified sense of purpose, making teamwork a cornerstone of our success.  
We are seeking a Machine Learning Research Scientist with specialized expertise in advanced deep learning architectures and Large Language Model (LLM) applications. As a key member of our adtech research team, you will contribute to the development and optimization of our real-time bidding (RTB) algorithms and integrate LLM technologies into our adtech solutions. Your role will focus on participating in the creation of robust training pipelines and advancing our algorithmic strategies. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about deep learning and eager to explore innovative technologies in feature enhancement and model architecture. You will have the opportunity to dive into the dynamic world of LLMs and contribute to shaping the future of the adtech industry. We are looking for candidates who are excited about working in a fast-paced environment and are ready to take on challenging projects in adtech. Join our team and grow with us in this transformative and collaborative role. This position will be located in San Mateo, CA with a hybrid work schedule of 3 days in office (Mon/Tue/Wed) and 2 days remote (Thursday/Friday).

Responsibilities

• Engage fully in the AdTech modeling lifecycle under the supervision of a Senior Researcher/Manager, encompassing problem framing, dataset construction, defining objective functions and architectures, model training, and results visualization and analysis.
• Show proficiency in Machine Learning fundamentals, including a deep understanding of assessment and best practices in Deep Neural Network modeling. Apply these techniques effectively in daily analysis and model iteration to produce results that are both reliable and reflective of accurate data interpretation and business context.
• Develop expertise in Cognitiv's ML operational tools, demonstrating fluency in Python and SQL for data manipulation, along with proficiency in PyTorch for DNN modeling. Commit to learning and applying best engineering practices for maintaining code cleanliness and adhering to standards. Independently revise code following reviews and establish a training pipeline for streamlined end-to-end model delivery and updates, working collaboratively with technical teams as required.
• Effectively synthesize and present research findings in clear, concise formats. Work in collaboration with science team members to enhance skills in data preprocessing, model development, and analysis, while efficiently managing multiple priorities to consistently meet project deadlines.
• Provide actionable insights that lead to measurable business improvements. With some guidance, identify and prioritize projects, independently scope and execute small to medium-sized projects, and actively seek opportunities to increase business impact.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of industry-level Python programming experience.
• Solid understanding of deep learning architectures (e.g., transformers), frameworks (e.g., PyTorch), and related libraries.
• Familiarity with a range of machine learning techniques (e.g., XGBoost, PCA).
• Exposure to or interest in Large Language Models with willingness to learn and grow in this area.
• Basic knowledge of distributed computing, cloud platforms, and big data technologies.
• Proficiency in software engineering principles, including algorithms and data structures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on collaboration, organizational ability, and the capacity to negotiate effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in AdTech and RTB systems.
• Strong C++ programming skills are a significant advantage.

Salary

• $160,000-$210,000 Base Salary + Equity

Actual compensation is based on multiple factors that are unique to each candidate, including and not limited to job-related knowledge, level of relevant experience, education and skills. Base salary is just one component of your total rewards package at Cognitiv. Employees are eligible for equity and various benefits. Here are some of the many benefits that our employees receive: ●       Medical, Dental and Vision coverage, including some plans that are 100% employer paid●       12 weeks paid parental leave●       Career Ladders slated to advance your career●       Unlimited PTO●       Work-From-Anywhere August●       Equity at all levels●       Comprehensive onboarding program (Cognitiv University)●       Hybrid work model●       Daily Lunch On Us●       Health and Wellness Stipend●       Cell phone reimbursement●       Parking Expense (CA & WA Offices)●       401(k) plan with employer match●       Employee Assistance Program●       Pre-tax commuter benefits and MORE! Cognitiv is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.