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VP, Research

Scale AISan Francisco, CA; New York, NYResearch
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Salary
Not listed
Job type
Full-time
Posted
1 Aug 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Scale AI is seeking a Vice President of Research to lead the machine learning research function in San Francisco, CA or New York, NY. This critical leadership position suits an experienced executive with a strong track record of scaling global research organizations and turning advanced AI concepts into production-ready solutions.

Role Overview

As the Vice President of Research, the chosen candidate will shape the technical direction of machine learning research and build a world-class organization. This role bridges cutting-edge research with real-world applied machine learning impact. Responsibilities include expanding the capabilities of frontier artificial intelligence systems and developing trustworthy safeguards to deploy them responsibly. The leader will oversee delivery, quality, performance, and roadmap execution while working alongside top artificial intelligence labs and Fortune 100 customers.

Key Responsibilities

Direct the machine learning research function, taking full ownership of delivery, quality, performance, and roadmap execution.
Build, scale, and mentor a global, high-performing research team focused on initiative ownership and machine learning excellence.
Partner directly with Fortune 100 customers and go-to-market teams to translate business needs into scalable technical solutions.
Collaborate closely with engineering, product, and delivery teams across Scale AI to drive cutting-edge research forward.
Shape the long-term organizational vision and structure of the research team in alignment with business growth and product evolution.
Manage senior research leaders while instilling a culture of accountability, speed, and results.
Represent the research function in cross-functional planning cycles, handling headcount, budgets, and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

Demonstrated track record of leading machine learning research teams within high-growth environments, particularly in machine learning, infrastructure, or complex systems.
Experience scaling research organizations across multiple geographies with a deep understanding of team structuring and evolution.
Ability to operate with urgency and clarity, distilling priorities and moving teams smoothly from ambiguity to execution.
Experience partnering deeply with sales, delivery, and customer success teams.
Equal comfort working at the granular technical level and the executive level, knowing when to lead from the front or empower others.
Deep curiosity and credibility in core technical domains, especially product engineering, infrastructure, or artificial intelligence agent systems.

Skills and Tools

Machine Learning Research
Frontier AI Systems and Evaluations
Post-Training and Agentic Applications
Safety, Alignment, and Reasoning
Infrastructure and Product Engineering
Cross-Functional Leadership and Strategy

Salary and Benefits

Base salary range for San Francisco and New York is $396,800 to $496,000 USD.
Equity-based compensation subject to Board of Director approval.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement benefits.
Learning and development stipend.
Generous paid time off (PTO) and potential commuter stipend.

About the Company

Scale AI provides the high-quality data and full-stack technologies that power the world's leading artificial intelligence models. The company helps enterprises and governments build, deploy, and oversee reliable applications that deliver real-world impact. Scale partners with major industry leaders such as Meta, Ernst & Young, Mayo Clinic, Time Inc., the Government of Qatar, and United States government agencies including the Army and Air Force. Scale AI is an inclusive, equal opportunity workplace committed to diversity and reasonable accommodations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official company careers page to apply for this position.

Questions candidates ask

What is the location of the VP, Research role?

The position is located in San Francisco, CA or New York, NY.

What is the salary range for this position?

The base salary range for this full-time position in San Francisco and New York is $396,800 to $496,000 USD.

What benefits are included with the role?

Eligible employees receive comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement benefits, a learning and development stipend, generous PTO, equity-based compensation subject to board approval, and a potential commuter stipend.

What are the primary responsibilities of the VP of Research?

The VP of Research leads the machine learning research function, builds and scales a global team, partners with Fortune 100 customers and go-to-market teams, shapes long-term technical vision, and drives cutting-edge research in collaboration with engineering and product teams.

Is there a waiting period to reapply if previously rejected?

Yes, Scale AI requires a 90-day waiting period before reconsidering candidates for the same role.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Scale AI careers page.

Apply on company site