PhD in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or related field (or exceptional research track record)
Published research in peer-reviewed venues demonstrating expertise in Large Language Models and transformer architectures; agentic AI, autonomous systems, or multi-agent coordination; multimodal learning or computer vision
Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch preferred; TensorFlow); experience with LangChain, Hugging Face Transformers, Ray; RAG systems and vector databases; distributed training frameworks and GPU optimization
Strong theoretical foundation in optimization, statistics, and linear algebra; track record of novel algorithm development and large-scale experimentation; proficiency with research tooling (Weights & Biases, MLflow, TensorBoard)
Requirements:
Design and implement multi-agent architectures for autonomous fraud detection and analysis; develop agent coordination systems and tool-integrated AI agents with complex reasoning; advance agent safety and alignment in production
Research and implement test-time compute optimization and state-of-the-art reasoning systems; optimize inference-time compute allocation; develop chain-of-thought and verification mechanisms for high-stakes decision making; scale reasoning capabilities efficiently
Build advanced multimodal models for video, image, text, and behavioral data; design RAG architectures with vector databases and hybrid search; implement chunking, semantic understanding, and context-aware retrieval; research cross-modal learning for fraud pattern detection
Apply research to real-world digital safety and fraud challenges; deploy innovations at scale within months; collaborate with the AFAC research team and production engineers; contribute to production ML tooling and experimentation
As an AI Research Engineer at Pixalate, you'll bridge the gap between fundamental AI research and production systems that protect the digital ecosystem. Working with our Research team (AFAC) that has uncovered more than $100M in ad fraud and national security threats, you'll have the autonomy to pursue groundbreaking research while seeing your innovations deployed at scale within months, not years.
You'll lead research in emerging AI paradigms including autonomous agent systems, test-time compute optimization, and multimodal understanding - all applied to real-world challenges in digital safety and fraud detection.
Key Research Areas & Responsibilities
Agentic AI Systems Development
Design and implement multi-agent architectures for autonomous fraud detection and analysis
Develop sophisticated agent coordination systems using frameworks like LangChain, AutoGen, or custom architectures
Create tool-integrated AI agents capable of complex reasoning and decision-making
Research novel approaches to agent safety and alignment in production environments
Advanced Reasoning & Test-Time Compute
Implement state-of-the-art reasoning systems inspired by recent breakthroughs (o1, DeepSeek-R1)
Optimize inference-time compute allocation for complex analytical tasks
Develop chain-of-thought and verification mechanisms for high-stakes decision making
Research novel approaches to scaling reasoning capabilities efficiently
Multimodal AI & Knowledge Systems
Build advanced multimodal models for analyzing video, image, text, and behavioral data
Benefits We focus on doing things differently and challenge each other to be the best we can be.
Monthly internet reimbursement
Casual, remote work environment
Hybrid, flexible hours
Opportunity for advancement
Fun annual team events
Being part of a high-performing team that wants to win and have fun doing it
Extremely competitive compensation
We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate both theoretical depth and practical implementation skills. Show us how your research can transform the landscape of online trust and safety.
Pixalate is an online trust and safety platform that protects businesses, consumers and children from deceptive, fraudulent and non-compliant mobile, CTV apps and websites. We're seeking a PhD-level AI Engineer to lead cutting-edge research in agentic AI systems, multimodal analysis, and advanced reasoning architectures that will directly impact millions of users worldwide. Our software and data have been used to unearth multiple high profile criminal and illegal surveillance cases including:
Our team of lawyers, data scientists, engineers, economists and researchers span globally with presence in California, New York, Washington DC, London and Singapore.
Pixalate is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in AI research.
