Research Scientist, World Models for Autonomous Vehicles at Toyota Research Institute

Los Altos, California, United States

Toyota Research Institute Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Automotive, Autonomous Vehicles, Artificial IntelligenceIndustries

Requirements

  • Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field
  • Strong background in probabilistic modeling, reinforcement learning, and deep learning architectures (e.g., Transformers, VAEs, Diffusion Models)
  • Strong understanding of Bayesian inference, state-space models, and uncertainty quantification
  • Hands-on experience with world models, predictive modeling, or generative modeling in robotics or autonomous systems
  • Prior experience in publishing research at NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, ICRA, or similar
  • Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, JAX)
  • Experience working with autonomous vehicle datasets, sensor modalities (LiDAR, camera, radar), and simulation environments
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced team research environment

Responsibilities

  • Develop and refine world models that improve the understanding of sophisticated and dynamic driving environments
  • Research and implement deep learning, reinforcement learning, and probabilistic modeling techniques for improved scene representation and prediction
  • Design algorithms that integrate sensor fusion, temporal reasoning, and uncertainty estimation to improve autonomous vehicle behavior
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including perception, planning, and simulation engineers, to develop real-time, scalable models for deployment
  • Conduct experiments, simulations, and real-world validations to assess the effectiveness of world models
  • Publish research findings in premier conferences and journals and contribute to the AI and robotics research community
  • Stay up to date with advancements in machine learning, generative modeling, and simulation technologies

Skills

Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Reinforcement Learning
Computer Vision
Probabilistic Modeling
World Models
Robotics

Toyota Research Institute

Research in mobility, safety, and automation

About Toyota Research Institute

Toyota Research Institute focuses on improving mobility through research and development in the automotive and technology sectors. The company works on enhancing safety, automated driving, robotics, materials science, and machine learning. Their products include advanced safety features and automated driving systems that aim to make driving safer and more efficient. Unlike many competitors, TRI emphasizes a research-driven approach, collaborating with various partners and licensing their innovations to enhance Toyota's offerings and maintain a competitive edge. The goal of TRI is to advance mobility solutions that improve quality of life and support the transition to zero-emissions transportation.

Los Altos, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2016Year Founded
$100MTotal Funding
SEEDCompany Stage
Robotics & Automation, Automotive & Transportation, AI & Machine LearningIndustries
201-500Employees

Benefits

Highly competitive benefits package
Robust programs to support the wellbeing, happiness, and health of our people and their families.
401(k) plan including matching and annual profit sharing along with total vacation and holidays totaling 38 days per year.
Subsidized commuter benefits and generous employee and vehicle allowances
2 paid days per year to participate in volunteer activities.
Maternity Leave program with 10 paid weeks plus baby bonding leave and Milk Stork for traveling moms
Baby Bonding Leave–an additional 16 paid weeks–to all new parents, including those who choose to adopt.
Back-up child and adult / elder care programs to help everyone thrive
WellBeats Virtual Fitness Trainer.

Risks

Public skepticism may undermine AI-assisted driving safety initiatives.
Boston Dynamics' high costs could impact TRI's humanoid robot project returns.
Complexity of real-world environments may delay TRI's robot skill deployment.

Differentiation

TRI focuses on AI to enhance human life and mobility.
Partnerships with Boston Dynamics and Stanford showcase TRI's collaborative innovation.
TRI's Driving Sensei concept integrates AI to improve driver skills and engagement.

Upsides

Generative AI allows TRI's robots to learn complex tasks without new coding.
TRI's AI-driven material synthesis could revolutionize EV battery development.
Autonomous tandem drifting collaboration with Stanford pushes vehicle dynamics boundaries.

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