Research Engineer - Diffusion LLM Team at ifm-us

ifm-us is a research lab dedicated to developing, understanding, and applying foundation models. The organization advances research, supports emerging AI talent, and contributes to a knowledge-driven economy. Responsible innovation and risk management guide the lab’s work. Role overview This Research Engineer position sits within the Diffusion LLM Team in Sunnyvale, CA. The team focuses on designing, building, and deploying large-scale Diffusion Large Language Models (LLMs). Their work aims to achieve autoregressive model quality while improving generation speed. Another priority is enhancing inference-time scaling, so that additional compute resources lead directly to better model outputs. Collaboration is central to this role. The Research Engineer will partner with colleagues across architecture, training, and infrastructure to turn research ideas into practical model releases for the next generation of LLMs. Main responsibilities Design, train, and scale large language models to achieve strong performance and reliability.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are a pioneering research laboratory focused on the creation, comprehension, utilization, and risk management of foundation models. Our mission is to propel advancements in research, cultivate the next generation of AI innovators, and contribute significantly to a knowledge-driven economy.As a member of our esteemed team, you'll engage with leading researchers, data scientists, and engineers on the forefront of foundation model training, addressing some of the most crucial challenges in AI development. This role presents a unique opportunity to develop groundbreaking AI solutions with the potential to transform entire industries. Your strategic and innovative problem-solving capabilities will be vital in positioning MBZUAI as a global center for high-performance computing in deep learning, inspiring future AI trailblazers.Position SummaryAs a Research Scientist on our Reinforcement Learning team, you will be instrumental in shaping our scientific and technical strategies towards developing advanced capabilities in Foundation Models. This position requires innovating new methodologies in Reinforcement Learning to drive paradigm shifts in foundation modeling. Your responsibilities will include prototyping and refining novel learning approaches, enhancing large-scale RL training infrastructure, and producing reproducible code for public dissemination. Additionally, you will be expected to cultivate and maintain an impactful research portfolio through both internal and external collaborations.Key Responsibilities- Innovate research focused on large-scale self-play for foundation model training, agentic tasks, and equipping models with the ability to learn proactively from their environment.- Initiate and pursue cutting-edge algorithmic strategies within reinforcement learning to define and advance emergent capabilities in Foundation Models.- Engage in full-stack engineering, encompassing data curation, model architecture, algorithm design, and the final deployment of models for end-users with a commitment to high-quality, documented, and maintainable code.- Contribute to technical reports and research publications.- Represent MBZUAI at industry conferences and events.

Join the Institute of Foundation ModelsAt ifm-us, we are committed to pioneering research in the realm of foundation models, focusing on their development, comprehension, application, and risk management. Our mission is to foster innovation, cultivate the next generation of AI engineers, and contribute significantly to a knowledge-driven economy.As an intern, you will engage with leading researchers, data scientists, and engineers in addressing pivotal challenges in AI development. This is a chance to contribute to state-of-the-art foundation model training and participate in creating transformative AI solutions capable of reshaping industries. Your strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving acumen will play a crucial role in establishing MBZUAI as a global leader in high-performance computing for deep learning, driving discoveries that will inspire future AI innovators.Key ResponsibilitiesThis intensive, short-term internship provides aspiring AI engineers with opportunities to:• Collect, prepare, and process training and validation datasets.• Assist in the design and optimization of model architectures.• Implement testing frameworks to evaluate model performance.• Analyze model outputs for both accuracy and bias.• Participate in the review and enhancement of AI algorithms.• Document findings and procedures to facilitate team collaboration.Academic QualificationsApplicants should be currently pursuing or have recently completed a Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or a related quantitative discipline.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are a pioneering research laboratory focused on developing, understanding, utilizing, and managing foundation models. Our mission is to propel research, cultivate the next generation of AI innovators, and create transformative impacts within a knowledge-driven economy.Join our dynamic team and seize the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking foundation model training, collaborating with elite researchers, data scientists, and engineers to address the most pressing challenges in AI development. You will contribute to the creation of innovative AI solutions with the potential to revolutionize industries. Your strategic and creative problem-solving abilities will play a crucial role in establishing MBZUAI as a global center for high-performance computing in deep learning, fostering discoveries that will motivate future AI trailblazers.The RoleAs a Machine Learning Engineer at the Institute of Foundation Models, your main duty will be to design and implement cutting-edge machine learning models that tackle real-world issues, pushing the limits of artificial intelligence research. You will work collaboratively with diverse teams to deploy scalable solutions, furthering MBZUAI’s goal of driving significant AI advancements and solidifying the institution’s status as a leader in the international AI research community. Your expertise will be vital in enhancing the performance of large-scale machine learning models and aiding in the development of transformative AI tools that can reshape industries globally.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are a pioneering research institute dedicated to the creation, comprehension, application, and risk management of foundation models. Our mission is to propel research forward, cultivate the next generation of AI innovators, and make substantial contributions to a knowledge-driven economy.As a member of our highly skilled team, you’ll engage in the development of cutting-edge foundation model training, collaborating with eminent researchers, data scientists, and engineers to confront the most fundamental and impactful challenges in AI technology.Your role will involve creating groundbreaking AI solutions with the potential to revolutionize industries. Your strategic and innovative problem-solving abilities will be vital in establishing MBZUAI as a global leader in high-performance computing for deep learning, driving discoveries that inspire future advancements. Position OverviewWe are seeking our inaugural dedicated finance professional to develop and oversee our finance operations from the ground up. In this hands-on role, you will manage daily financial activities while implementing the systems and processes necessary for scalability.Initially, you will navigate predominantly manual workflows (Accounts Payable, expenses, tracking) with a clear directive to audit, enhance, and transition these into automated systems.You will also collaborate with external accounting and tax advisors to address more intricate areas such as international payroll (shadow payroll) and equity tracking. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys detailed execution while laying the groundwork for future structure.Key ResponsibilitiesFinance Operations & Administration● Oversee accounts payable, invoice processing, and expense reimbursements● Manage vendor records, including W-9s and payment details● Organize and track all financial activities using structured systems (initially spreadsheet-based)● Support daily financial operations, including credit card tracking and receipt management Payroll & Compliance● Coordinate and execute domestic payroll with precision in withholdings and reporting● Collaborate with external tax/accounting advisors regarding international payroll and shadow payroll requirements● Ensure proper documentation to uphold compliance across jurisdictionsBudgeting & Financial Reporting● Monitor monthly budget versus actuals and identify significant variances● Assist in cash flow tracking and runway forecasting● Develop and maintain reporting frameworks to enhance financial transparencyEquity & Compensation Tracking● Keep records for phantom stock programs, including vesting schedules and eligibility● Assist in cap table or equity management.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are a pioneering research laboratory focused on developing, comprehending, and managing foundation models. Our mission is to push the boundaries of research, cultivate the next wave of AI developers, and make significant contributions to a knowledge-driven economy.As a member of our innovative team, you will engage with leading researchers, data scientists, and engineers to address fundamental challenges in AI development. Your contributions will be instrumental in creating groundbreaking AI solutions that could transform entire industries. Your strategic and creative problem-solving skills will help position MBZUAI as a global leader in high-performance computing for deep learning, inspiring future AI innovators.The RoleWe are seeking a talented Full Stack Developer to work collaboratively with Researchers and ML Engineers in crafting AI applications and solutions derived from next-gen AI research. You will be part of a versatile team responsible for the complete software development lifecycle, from initial concept to deployment.As a Full Stack Developer, you should be adept in both front-end and back-end programming languages, development frameworks, and third-party libraries. A collaborative mindset and a flair for visual design and functionality are essential.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are a premier research facility focused on the development, comprehension, application, and risk mitigation of foundation models. Our objective is to propel research, cultivate the upcoming generation of AI innovators, and contribute significantly to a knowledge-centric economy.As a vital member of our team, you will engage with state-of-the-art foundation model training alongside distinguished researchers, data scientists, and engineers, addressing critical and transformative challenges in AI development. Participate in creating revolutionary AI solutions poised to redefine entire sectors. Your strategic and innovative problem-solving abilities will play a crucial role in establishing MBZUAI as a global leader in high-performance computing for deep learning, fostering impactful discoveries that motivate the next wave of AI visionaries.The RoleWe are the AllWorld Team within the Institute of Foundation Model (IFM) at MBZUAI. Our team is at the forefront of developing the PAN (Physical, Agentic, and Networked) world models—next-generation foundation models designed to unlock machine intelligence beyond traditional linguistic capabilities.Our mission is to confront the fundamental issues of world modeling and to establish a new paradigm for next-generation machine reasoning. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals who align with our vision and are excited to explore the boundaries of AI with us.

About ifm-usAt ifm-us, we are a pioneering research institute dedicated to the exploration, development, and risk management of foundation models. Our mission is to propel research, cultivate future AI innovators, and contribute transformative advancements to a knowledge-driven economy.Join our dynamic team and engage in groundbreaking projects at the forefront of foundation model training. Collaborate with distinguished researchers, data scientists, and engineers to address some of the most fundamental challenges in AI development. Your strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will play a crucial role in establishing ifm-us as a global leader in high-performance computing for deep learning, ultimately inspiring the next wave of AI pioneers.Role OverviewAs a Project Manager, you will orchestrate a diverse team comprising Researchers, Data Scientists, and Software & Systems Engineers. Your focus will be on facilitating the development of innovative software solutions that leverage cutting-edge AGI research to fulfill the requirements of both internal teams and external partners.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are a pioneering research laboratory committed to the creation, understanding, application, and risk management of foundation models. Our mission is to propel research, foster the next generation of AI innovators, and make transformative strides in a knowledge-driven economy.Joining our team offers you the chance to engage in forefront foundation model training, collaborating with esteemed researchers, data scientists, and engineers. Together, we will confront the most essential and impactful challenges in AI development. You will be instrumental in developing revolutionary AI solutions poised to transform industries. Your strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will help establish MBZUAI as a leading center for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving significant discoveries that motivate the next wave of AI pioneers.The RoleAs a Research Scientist focusing on data-centric large language model (LLM) advancement, you will work at the forefront of how LLMs reason, retrieve, and interact with external datasets. Your responsibilities will include identifying, collecting, and organizing datasets that empower LLMs to tackle complex reasoning tasks. You'll also develop scalable systems and tools that bridge cutting-edge research with robust engineering practices. Your contributions will have a direct influence on the performance and reliability of intelligent systems at MBZUAI IFM.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are a pioneering research laboratory focused on the construction, comprehension, utilization, and risk management of foundation models. Our mission is to propel research forward, cultivate the upcoming generation of AI innovators, and drive significant advancements in a knowledge-driven economy.Joining our team offers you the chance to engage with groundbreaking foundation model training at the forefront of technology. Collaborate with esteemed researchers, data scientists, and engineers to address key challenges in AI advancement. You will contribute to the development of innovative AI solutions with the potential to transform various industries. Your strategic and creative problem-solving skills will play a vital role in establishing MBZUAI as a premier global center for high-performance computing in deep learning, fostering discoveries that will inspire future AI leaders.The RoleAs a Research Scientist in the Data team, you will be responsible for curating high-quality web-scale data to drive the evolution of next-generation foundation models. Your work will involve investigating and consolidating diverse data sources and collaborating with cross-functional teams to perform comprehensive data research, contributing to MBZUAI's objective of catalyzing impactful AI breakthroughs and reinforcing our leadership in the global AI research landscape. Your expertise will be crucial in enhancing the efficacy of large-scale machine learning models while supporting the creation of transformative AI tools capable of influencing industries worldwide.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are an innovative research institute focused on the development, understanding, application, and risk management of foundational models. Our mission is to propel research forward, cultivate the next generation of AI innovators, and contribute significantly to a knowledge-driven economy.As a team member, you will engage with pioneering foundation model training, collaborating with leading researchers, data scientists, and engineers to address vital challenges in AI development. You will play a crucial role in creating revolutionary AI solutions that could transform entire sectors. Your strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving abilities will be key in positioning MBZUAI as a global leader in high-performance computing for deep learning, sparking impactful discoveries that will inspire future AI trailblazers.The RoleIn the capacity of a Data Engineer focused on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and large-scale data processing, you will swiftly and efficiently gather, curate, and prepare high-quality datasets that support advanced NLP research. Your expertise will empower researchers by providing them with essential data through scalable and efficient engineering practices, including web crawling, LLM-generated content refinement, and the creation of robust data pipelines, primarily utilizing Python and associated technologies.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsAt the Institute of Foundation Models, we are committed to pioneering research that enhances the understanding, utilization, and risk management of foundation models. Our mission focuses on advancing research, cultivating future AI innovators, and making transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy.Join our dynamic team and engage in the forefront of groundbreaking foundation model training alongside leading researchers, data scientists, and engineers. You will address the most critical and impactful challenges in AI development, contributing to innovative AI solutions with the potential to revolutionize industries. Your strategic and creative problem-solving abilities will be key in positioning MBZUAI as a premier global center for high-performance computing in deep learning, fostering discoveries that will inspire the next generation of AI visionaries.Position SummaryAs a valued member of the Agents team, you will confront research and engineering obstacles related to training advanced agentic language models capable of employing reasoning and tool use to perform tasks on computers. The scope of challenges includes constructing high-quality training datasets, developing robust evaluation methods, and innovating reinforcement learning infrastructures, algorithms, and environments. We are seeking candidates with diverse expertise, ranging from algorithmic and empirical research to large-scale systems and optimization, reflecting the wide array of compelling problems we aim to address. Depth in any of these areas is highly regarded; there is no single “correct” background.Key Responsibilities· Propose, prototype, and scale systems and algorithms that support agentic learning.· Develop innovative paradigms for agentic behavior that extend beyond existing methodologies.· Contribute to technical reports, research publications, and open-source software initiatives.· Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to create state-of-the-art foundation models.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are a pioneering research laboratory dedicated to the exploration, development, and responsible management of foundation models. Our mission is to propel research forward, cultivate the next wave of AI innovators, and foster transformative advancements in a knowledge-driven economy.Joining our team means engaging in groundbreaking foundation model training alongside leading researchers, data scientists, and engineers. You will confront significant challenges in AI development, working on innovative solutions that have the power to revolutionize entire industries. Your strategic and innovative problem-solving abilities will be vital in establishing MBZUAI as a premier global center for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving discoveries that inspire future AI trailblazers.The RoleAs a Research Scientist with a focus on Computer Vision, you will play a pivotal role in advancing state-of-the-art computer vision technologies and enhancing intelligent systems. Your responsibilities will include researching, developing, and implementing Computer Vision solutions, with particular emphasis on Python programming, machine learning techniques, and deep learning methodologies.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are a pioneering research laboratory dedicated to the development, understanding, utilization, and risk management of foundation models. Our mission is to propel research forward, cultivate the next generation of AI innovators, and make transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy. As a member of our elite team, you will have the chance to engage with the forefront of foundation model training, collaborating with top-tier researchers, data scientists, and engineers to address some of the most pressing and impactful challenges in AI development. Your involvement will contribute to the creation of revolutionary AI solutions that can redefine entire industries. Your strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will be vital in positioning MBZUAI as a global leader in high-performance computing for deep learning, fostering discoveries that will inspire future AI trailblazers. The RoleYou will be responsible for the comprehensive strategy, design, and execution of our general-purpose world modeling initiatives. Your role will involve translating cutting-edge research (such as the PAN framework) into robust, production-ready simulators, leading a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists, and ensuring alignment with IFM’s overarching mission. Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & VisionArticulate and refine the architecture of the world model, leveraging the principles of PAN:Multimodal data ingestion, mixed continuous/discrete representations, hierarchical generative modeling with an enhanced LLM backbone and diffusion-based predictors, generative loss grounded in real observations, and simulation for RL-based agent training.Establish performance, safety, and evaluation benchmarks, driving ongoing enhancements.Project & Team ManagementSteer the planning, resource allocation, and timelines for world modeling projects. Supervise research engineers and scientists (including data curators, RL specialists, and simulator developers) to facilitate cohesive advancement.Cross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate with agent, reasoning, and deployment teams to incorporate world model outputs into downstream applications (robotics, multi-turn dialogue systems, and autonomous technologies). Engage with external partners (from both academia and industry) to integrate the latest advancements and tools.

About the Institute of Foundation Models At the Institute of Foundation Models, we are pioneering a research lab dedicated to building, understanding, utilizing, and effectively managing the risks associated with foundation models. Our mission is to propel groundbreaking research, cultivate the next generation of AI innovators, and contribute significantly to a knowledge-driven economy.Joining our team means engaging with the forefront of cutting-edge foundation model training. You will collaborate with distinguished researchers, data scientists, and engineers, tackling essential and transformative challenges in AI development. Your role will be crucial in the creation of innovative AI solutions poised to revolutionize entire industries. Through strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving, you will help establish MBZUAI as a global center for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving impactful discoveries that inspire future AI leaders.The Role In your capacity as the Senior Product Manager, you will navigate the complexities of pioneering research, applying the precision and focus necessary for rapid, high-quality delivery. You will collaborate closely with Lab Leadership to articulate the product vision for our model families (including LLMs, reasoning, and world models) and the applications derived from them. This vision will be pivotal in achieving successful, high-quality releases of state-of-the-art models for the global community.Simultaneously, you will establish the foundation for our Product Management organization. You will delineate the comprehensive product vision for the lab, determining not only what we develop but also for whom we build it. As the team expands, you will recruit, mentor, and lead Product Managers dedicated to individual model families, setting a benchmark for excellence across the organization.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsWe are a pioneering research laboratory focused on the development, understanding, and management of foundation models. Our mission is to propel research forward, cultivate the next wave of AI innovators, and contribute significantly to a knowledge-based economy. As a member of our esteemed team, you’ll engage in the forefront of foundation model training, collaborating with top-tier researchers, data scientists, and engineers to address the most pressing challenges in AI advancement. Your contributions will be instrumental in creating pioneering AI solutions that have the capacity to transform industries. Your strategic and innovative problem-solving abilities will be crucial in establishing MBZUAI as a leading global center for high-performance computing in deep learning, enabling groundbreaking discoveries that will inspire the future generation of AI leaders. The RoleThis exciting hybrid position is tailored for a dynamic leader capable of overseeing the transition to a new, larger office space while managing its long-term operations. Phase 1: Project Lead (Relocation & Build-Out)During the initial phase, you will be the primary liaison for our office expansion, acting as the

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsThe Institute of Foundation Models serves as an innovative research hub committed to the development, understanding, and effective management of large-scale AI systems. Our mission is to spearhead advancements in foundation models and facilitate their operational implementation, fostering growth in research, education, and industry utilization through robust infrastructure and practical applications.The RoleAs the Senior Product Manager, you will navigate the complexities of cutting-edge research and impose the necessary discipline and clarity for swift product delivery. Collaborating closely with Lab Leadership, you will shape the product vision for our model families—including LLMs, reasoning models, and world models—and the applications that stem from them. Your leadership in product vision will be crucial for the successful release of high-quality, state-of-the-art models for the global community.In tandem, you will establish the foundation for our Product Management team. You will articulate a comprehensive product vision for the lab, clarifying not only what we develop but also who we build it for. As the team expands, you will have the opportunity to hire, mentor, and oversee Product Managers dedicated to specific model families, establishing a benchmark for excellence across the organization.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Vision & Strategy· Define the

About the Institute of Foundation Models At the Institute of Foundation Models, we are on a mission to innovate and enhance the development of foundation models. Our research lab is committed to advancing AI through understanding, utilization, and effective risk management of these models. We aim to empower the next generation of AI developers and contribute significantly to a knowledge-driven economy.Joining our team means you will work at the forefront of foundation model training, collaborating with elite researchers, data scientists, and engineers. You will tackle pivotal challenges in AI development and contribute to the creation of revolutionary AI solutions that could transform various industries. Your strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will play a key role in establishing MBZUAI as a global leader in high-performance computing for deep learning, fostering impactful discoveries that will inspire future AI visionaries.The Role We are in search of a Foundation Model DevOps Engineer who will focus on Operational Stability to support our AI research infrastructure. You will be responsible for creating an efficient environment that facilitates model development. Your role involves building tooling, release pipelines, and storage policies that alleviate burdens on our research team. You will manage the foundational layer, ensuring that researchers have immediate, secure, and reliable access to essential tools, data, and computational resources.Key Responsibilities Model Release Engineering High-Fidelity Release Management: You will uphold the standards of our public presence, ensuring that all releases (weights, code, training logs, data) are reproducible, comprehensively documented, and presented with the professionalism of a leading open-source product.CI/CD for Research: You will design and implement pipelines that automate the testing and packaging of intricate model releases, transitioning us from manual procedures to automated validation.Repo Administration: You will administer the organization’s Git repositories, ensuring optimal performance and accessibility.

ifm efector, inc. seeks an IT Specialist based in Sunnyvale, CA. This role centers on maintaining and supporting the company’s IT infrastructure to help ensure daily operations remain efficient and reliable. Role overview The IT Specialist will handle tasks related to the upkeep and troubleshooting of hardware, software, and network systems. Quick response to technical issues and proactive system monitoring are key parts of this position. What you will do Support and maintain IT infrastructure across the organization Respond to technical problems to keep business operations on track Assist with day-to-day technology needs for staff and systems Location This position is based in Sunnyvale, CA.

About the Institute of Foundation ModelsAt the Institute of Foundation Models (IFM), we are committed to pioneering research related to building, comprehending, and managing foundation models effectively. Our goal is to push the boundaries of research, cultivate the next generation of AI innovators, and contribute significantly to a knowledge-driven economy.Joining our dynamic team means collaborating with top-tier researchers, data scientists, and engineers on the forefront of foundation model training. You will engage in developing innovative AI solutions that have the potential to transform entire industries. Your strategic problem-solving skills will play a crucial role in positioning MBZUAI as a global leader in high-performance computing for deep learning, facilitating groundbreaking discoveries that inspire future AI pioneers.The RoleWe are the AllWorld Team within the Institute of Foundation Models (IFM) at MBZUAI. Our team is at the cutting edge of developing PAN (Physical, Agentic, and Networked) world models—the next-generation foundation models that aim to expand machine intelligence beyond language.Our mission encompasses addressing the fundamental challenges associated with world modeling and establishing a new paradigm for next-generation machine reasoning. We invite passionate individuals who align with our vision and are eager to redefine the landscape of AI.