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Research Assistant Machine Learning Jobs in California

Research Assistant

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We are looking for a Research Assistant to help design, run, and analyze experiments at the intersection of machine learning and robotics. This is an entry-level research role for individuals with ...

Machine Learning Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Machine Learning Engineer / Research Engineer Pay: $$110,000 - $165,000 Base Salary + Equity Shift: N/A Location: San Mateo, CA (Peninsula) - Onsite Preferred Schedule: Full time, Permanent Role Visa ...

Conduct research using machine learning methodologies that integrate financial theory with deep learning and reinforcement learning * Design and develop models that convert AI-extracted signals from ...

Conduct research using machine learning methodologies that integrate financial theory with deep learning and reinforcement learning * Design and develop models that convert AI-extracted signals from ...

Conduct research using machine learning methodologies that integrate financial theory with deep learning and reinforcement learning * Design and develop models that convert AI-extracted signals from ...

The Machine Learning Platform Technology team is building groundbreaking technology for search ... Our infrastructure and research for data curation form the backbone of Apple Intelligence. It ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Assistant Machine Learning information

See California salary details

$8

$21

$31

How much do research assistant machine learning jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for research assistant machine learning in California is $21.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research assistant machine learning?

A Research Assistant in Machine Learning supports research projects by implementing algorithms, analyzing data, and conducting experiments to advance AI models. They assist senior researchers by preprocessing datasets, developing machine learning models, and evaluating their performance. Responsibilities may also include coding, literature reviews, and writing research papers. This role is typically found in academia, research labs, or industry R&D teams. Strong programming skills, statistical knowledge, and familiarity with ML frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch are essential.

What types of projects might a research assistant machine learning typically work on?

As a Research Assistant in Machine Learning, you may be involved in projects such as developing and evaluating predictive models, processing and analyzing large datasets, and assisting in the publication of research findings. Your work could contribute to applications like natural language processing, computer vision, or recommendation systems, depending on the focus of the research group. You’ll often collaborate closely with senior researchers, data scientists, or PhD students, allowing you to participate in brainstorming sessions, code development, and experimental design. This experience provides valuable exposure to cutting-edge technology and can serve as a strong foundation for a research or industry career in machine learning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research assistant machine learning?

To thrive as a Research Assistant Machine Learning, you need a solid understanding of machine learning algorithms, programming skills (especially in Python or R), and a background in statistics or computer science, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Experience with frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and data analysis tools, as well as familiarity with version control systems like Git, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative research environments. These skills ensure you can contribute meaningfully to research projects, analyze complex datasets, and communicate findings effectively within interdisciplinary teams.

What are popular job titles related to Research Assistant Machine Learning jobs in California?

For Research Assistant Machine Learning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Research Assistant Machine Learning jobs?

Cities in California with the most Research Assistant Machine Learning job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Assistant Machine Learning job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,974 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$150K - $450K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with research teams to understand and integrate technologies into the codebase.

  • Develop and implement systems to support the lifecycle of machine learning models, especially foundation models.

  • Review code developed by others, provide feedback, and contribute to documentation and educational content.


Job description

About the Institute of Foundation Models
We are a dedicated research lab for building, understanding, using, and risk-managing foundation models. Our mandate is to advance research, nurture the next generation of AI builders, and drive transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy.

As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work on the core of cutting-edge foundation model training, alongside world-class researchers, data scientists, and engineers, tackling the most fundamental and impactful challenges in AI development. You will participate in the development of groundbreaking AI solutions that have the potential to reshape entire industries. Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will be instrumental in establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving impactful discoveries that inspire the next generation of AI pioneers.



The Role
As a Machine Learning Engineer at the Institute of Foundation Models, your primary responsibility is to develop and implement innovative machine learning models that address real-world challenges, pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence research. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy scalable solutions, contributing to MBZUAI’s mission of driving impactful AI discoveries and positioning the institution as a leader in the global AI research community. Your expertise will be key in enhancing the performance of large-scale machine learning models, while supporting the development of transformative AI tools that can influence industries worldwide.
Key Responsibilites
  • Collaborate with Research teams to understand technologies, adapting and integrating them into codebase.
  • Develop and implement systems to support the lifecycle of machine learning models, such as data preprocessing, pre-training, post-training, evaluation and so on, especially foundation models.
  • Participate in, or lead design reviews with peers and stakeholders to decide amongst available technologies.
  • Review code developed by other developers and provide feedback to ensure best practices (e.g., style guidelines, checking code in, accuracy, testability, and efficiency).
  • Contribute to existing documentation or educational content and adapt content based on product/program updates and user feedback.
  • Triage product or system issues and debug/track/resolve by analyzing the sources of issues and the impact on hardware, network, or service operations and quality.
  • Contribute to research papers and represent MBZUAI at industry conferences and events, showcasing the institution’s cutting-edge HPC and deep learning capabilities and establishing MBZUAI as a global leader in AI research and innovation.
  • Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualifications
  • Minimum: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience. 
  • Preferred: Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related technical field.
 
Professional Experience - Minimum
  • 3 years of experience in software engineering, including experience with Machine Learning (ML) models, ML infrastructure, Natural Language Processing or Computer Vision.
  • 2 years of experience with software development in one or more programming languages, or 1 year of experience with an advanced degree in an industry setting.
  • 2 years of experience with data structures or algorithms in either an academic or industry setting.
  • 2 years of experience with machine learning algorithms and tools (e.g., TensorFlow), artificial intelligence, deep learning, or natural language processing.
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to address complex technical challenges.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with cross functional teams.
Professional Experience - Preferred
  • 2 years of experience with improving performance during large scale data processing
  • Hands-on experience with LLM algorithms, such as Supervised Fine-Tuning (SFT) and Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF).
  • Excellent data analysis skills.
Visa Sponsorship
This position is eligible for visa sponsorship.

Benefits Include
*Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits 
 *Bonus
*401K Plan
*Generous paid time off, sick leave and holidays
*Paid Parental Leave
*Employee Assistance Program
*Life insurance and disability