AI Research Resident

polymath· Research & Engineering
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🌍 Remote📍 San FranciscoContract

About this role

About Polymath
Polymath is an applied research lab focused on advancing long-horizon agent capabilities through reinforcement learning. We design and scale simulation environments where agents learn to operate safely and autonomously. We work with the world’s leading model labs to push the frontier of agent capabilities. Polymath is backed by Base10, Founders Future, Y Combinator, and other incredible investors & angels. We've raised an $8M seed, and are growing out the team.

About the role

We’re looking for talented researchers currently enrolled in MS / PhD programs to collaborate on a research project focused around frontier benchmarks and environments for long-horizon AI agents. This will require 1) identifying failure modes in frontier models, 2) developing rigorous benchmarks that evaluate how well frontier agents perform on complex, realistic tasks requiring long-horizon reasoning and tool use in dynamic environments, and 3) training autonomous agents that can reason, plan, and act over extended time horizons.

We can accommodate full-time or part-time engagements. The goal of the residency is to culminate in a publication, and if there is a mutual fit, transition into a full-time role. If you’re interested in joining Polymath but are not currently a student, please apply to the Member of Technical Staff role.

You’ll be a good fit if you:

  • Are currently pursuing an MS or PhD program in Computer Science or a related field

  • Have experience with reinforcement learning, benchmarking frontier models, or model post-training

  • Have experience with systems engineering and can write production-quality code

  • Have a strong track record of publications

  • Have high agency, move quickly, and enjoy working on open-ended research problems

Culture

  • Polymath is a team of researchers, engineers, and operators focused on advancing the frontier of safe, superintelligent AI agents.

  • We have a flat organizational structure. We believe that people do their best work when they’re self-motivated and driven by a desire to learn, contribute to the team’s goals, and advance scientific progress.

  • We’re looking for folks who ship fast, set high standards for themselves, and are great team players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the AI Research Resident position at polymath?
The salary for this AI Research Resident role at polymath is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Is the AI Research Resident job at polymath remote?
Yes, this AI Research Resident position at polymath is remote, with team members based in San Francisco. You can work from home or anywhere in the supported regions.
Is the AI Research Resident role at polymath full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Contract position. It is posted as a AI Research Resident role in the Research & Engineering department at polymath.
Which team or department does the AI Research Resident at polymath belong to?
This AI Research Resident position is part of the Research & Engineering department at polymath. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the AI Research Resident position at polymath?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to polymath's official application portal hosted on ashby where you can submit your application directly.
When was the AI Research Resident job at polymath posted?
This AI Research Resident position at polymath was posted on Apr 14, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
AI Research Resident
polymath
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You'll be redirected to polymath's official application page on Ashby ATS.