Senior Researcher, Machine Learning Engineer at foundry10

Seattle, Washington, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

29 Jun, 26

Salary

318375.0

Posted On

31 Mar, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Machine Learning Principles, Software Design & Development, Data Analysis Techniques, Study Design Knowledge, Interpreting Data, Transformer-based Models, Applied Research, Machine Learning Data Structures, Software Architecture, Frameworks, Libraries, Predictive Analytics, Statistical Modeling, Data Mining Algorithms, Research Ethics, Python

Industry

Education Administration Programs

Description

Description foundry10 is an education research organization with a philanthropic focus on expanding ideas about learning and creating direct value for youth. In collaboration with a wide range of partners, we surface, evaluate, and share opportunities to better support youth learning both inside and outside the classroom. Building on more than a decade of impactful work, our unique approach blends applied and basic research, philanthropy, and education programs rooted in evidence-based best practices. Summary of Role Machine Learning can provide powerful tools for enhancing learning in and outside of the classroom, and for addressing pressing needs in K-12 and post-secondary education. Senior Researcher, Machine Learning Engineer will be a core team member on a new multi-project focused ML Learning Team at foundry10. This role involves both independent research and analysis as well as multidisciplinary collaboration across a project team and potentially in partnership with external institutions. Applicants for this role should have a strong interest in education and desire to improve student outcomes across multiple dimensions. Applicants should have deep expertise in appropriate domains (Machine learning principles, software design & development, ethics and privacy), bring novel ideas and expertise, and experience-based insights. Qualified candidates will have advanced research skills (e.g., data analysis techniques, knowledge of study design, visualizing and interpreting data) and be comfortable with sharing generalizable findings using different mediums alongside peer-reviewed publications. This position reports to the Director of Research. The salary range for this position is $191,025 to $318,375 per year, depending on experience. Areas of Interest The Machine Learning Engineering Senior Researcher will have a focus on developing tools and pursuing research within both formal and informal K-12 and postsecondary education spaces. In particular, this position will focus on contributing to a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers with a preliminary focus on: Exploring intersections and interplay between the strengths and gaps within the education system and ML/AI techniques and tools Considering principles and knowledge that are not being regularly utilized by traditional educational systems to broaden and shape new ideas around the intersection of learning and ML Design or repurpose tools for research pursuits, data collection, learning gains, and timely interventions Leverage strengths and knowledge in a coherent & complimentary way with other experts in a collaborative team to generate new ideas to make a positive impact on student learning Responsibilities As part of a focused project team, this role in particular will: Work collaboratively within the ML project team to provide new and interesting ideas for lines of research, outputs, tool development and/or other avenues to improve learning outcomes and opportunities for young people Collaborate to define output goals for the project team Participate in conceiving, designing, and evaluating, ML software and related hardware Develop predictive analytics, statistical modeling, data mining and machine learning algorithms Assist in crafting interesting and important questions regarding education in a technologically advancing world, specifically around the intersections of ML/AI in learning spaces. More broadly as a researcher, this role will include: Represent foundry10 at conferences, within publications, and face-to-face with a variety of community partners Actively read and engage with current research/techniques/technologies and bring new knowledge to the organization and their teams as a result of engagement with relevant topics Use various qualitative and quantitative methodologies, analysis strategies, and study designs as needed to address current research questions Make informed decisions about when to extend vs. redirect or close off lines of inquiry, depending on progress and likelihood of yielding useful and actionable insights Lead operations and partnership tasks (e.g., coordination of external data collection services, communication with external partners) as needed This is not an exhaustive list, other duties may be assigned as necessary Requirements Education and Experience PhD in Machine Learning or related discipline, with 2-5 years relevant post-PhD work experience Experience in both academia and industry preferred Experience with Transformer-based Models (e.g. GPT, Llama) Practical experience independently leading and conducting applied research with minimal supervision Experience with machine learning data structures and models, software architecture, framework, and libraries End to End project design, execution and completion Experience on a variety of projects with multiple stakeholders Experience mentoring and/or managing students, junior researchers, and/or research staff Experience with design/development of software tools, preferably for a variety of age groups Nuanced understanding of technology in the life of kids both generally and within education contexts Nuanced understanding of AI tools, their strengths, limitations, and the direction of development Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge Strong background in research ethics, particularly research ethics involving children and adolescents Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, in interpersonal and research settings Ability to gain background knowledge and expertise in other fields within foundry10’s research domains and interest areas that may intersect with your projects Proficiency with R, Python and relevant ML libraries Ability to manage time and track several project timelines at once Ability to work self-sufficiently and identify areas where processes could be improved Ability to cross multiple subject areas and quickly gain a basic understanding of new areas Ability to work collaboratively with researchers from other fields and specializations Ability to ask questions that deviate from the status quo to pursue innovative ways to approach learning Ability to manage and mentor junior researchers We cannot sponsor visa applications, and to be considered for this position, you must be eligible to work in the United States. To protect our staff, partners, and the youth we serve, we require all foundry10 employees to adhere to our masking and COVID testing policies when working in person. To be considered for this role, please submit the following materials: Cover letter detailing how your interest and qualifications align with this position Resume or CV Peer-reviewed publication, white paper, project summary/report or similar document showcasing your work, clearly state your level of contribution and role Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed. The priority deadline is April 17, 2026, and we will accept applications on a rolling basis as needed after this date. The interview process will consist of the following steps: Step 1: Zoom audio interview (1 hour) Step 2: Zoom video interview with Research team members (1. 5 to 2 hours) Step 3: If needed, zoom video interview with the Director of Research and/or CEO (1 hour) Step 4: Background and professional reference checks foundry10 offers competitive salary and benefits that include: A 4-day workweek A flexible and hybrid work schedule Full Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and their dependents $1,500 yearly education stipend $3,000 yearly wellness and hobby stipend, before taxes Generous paid time off that includes: 4 weeks of vacation time annually and additional accrual with tenure 12 paid holidays 56 hours of paid sick and safe leave frontloaded annually Week-long office closures twice a year - each summer and winter 401(k) retirement plan with employer match Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance paid fully by foundry10 Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs. foundry10 strives to provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment because of a protected characteristic. The organization does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, creed, citizenship, status, national origin, ancestry, gender, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, religion, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities with the application and interviewing process as well as essential job functions.

Responsibilities

This role involves working collaboratively within an ML project team to generate new ideas for research, outputs, and tool development aimed at improving learning outcomes for young people. Responsibilities also include developing predictive analytics, statistical modeling, data mining, and machine learning algorithms, alongside broader research duties like engaging with current techniques and representing the organization.