Senior Researcher, Machine Learning Engineer

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 RoleMachine 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 InterestThe 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 MLDesign 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 ResponsibilitiesAs 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 peopleCollaborate to define output goals for the project teamParticipate in conceiving, designing, and evaluating, ML software and related hardwareDevelop 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 partnersActively 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 topicsUse various qualitative and quantitative methodologies, analysis strategies, and study designs as needed to address current research questionsMake informed decisions about when to extend vs. redirect or close off lines of inquiry, depending on progress and likelihood of yielding useful and actionable insightsLead operations and partnership tasks (e.g., coordination of external data collection services, communication with external partners) as neededThis is not an exhaustive list, other duties may be assigned as necessary.RequirementsEducation and ExperiencePhD in Machine Learning or related discipline, with 2-5 years relevant post-PhD work experienceExperience in both academia and industry preferredExperience 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 stakeholdersExperience mentoring and/or managing students, junior researchers, and/or research staffExperience 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 contextsNuanced understanding of AI tools, their strengths, limitations, and the direction of developmentSkills, Abilities, and KnowledgeStrong background in research ethics, particularly research ethics involving children and adolescentsOutstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, in interpersonal and research settingsAbility to gain background knowledge and expertise in other fields within foundry10’s research domains and interest areas that may intersect with your projectsProficiency with R, Python and relevant ML libraries Ability to manage time and track several project timelines at onceAbility 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 areasAbility to work collaboratively with researchers from other fields and specializationsAbility to ask questions that deviate from the status quo to pursue innovative ways to approach learningAbility to manage and mentor junior researchersWe 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 positionResume or CVPeer-reviewed publication, white paper, project summary/report or similar document showcasing your work, clearly state your level of contribution and roleApplications 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 checksfoundry10 offers competitive salary and benefits that include:A 4-day workweekA flexible and hybrid work scheduleFull Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and their dependents$1,500 yearly education stipend$3,000 yearly wellness and hobby stipend, before taxesGenerous paid time off that includes:4 weeks of vacation time annually and additional accrual with tenure12 paid holidays56 hours of paid sick and safe leave frontloaded annuallyWeek-long office closures twice a year - each summer and winter401(k) retirement plan with employer matchFlexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement AccountEmployee Assistance Program at no cost to the employeeShort Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance paid fully by foundry10Employment 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.