Staff Research Scientist, Culture & Systems Dynamics at Toyota Research Institute

Los Altos, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Automotive, Artificial Intelligence, ResearchIndustries

Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Anthropology, Behavioral or Social Science, Implementation Science, or related fields
Demonstrated expertise in applied systems research, including designing and evaluating interventions in complex, real-world environments
Experience integrating qualitative and quantitative methods (ethnography, surveys, administrative data, causal modeling)
Proven ability to conceptualize and measure system-level outcomes (e.g., culture change, burnout reduction, safety climate, equitable access)
Strong analytical and computational skills (e.g., R, Python, simulation modeling, causal inference)
Experience leading multi-stakeholder, cross-functional research programs
Bonus Qualifications
Experience with social-network and diffusion modeling, behavioral nudges, or implementation science in organizational or public systems
Track record of translating research into practice—for instance, policy or organizational interventions that improved system performance or wellbeing
Expertise in ethical and open-science practices

Responsibilities

Design and evaluate real-world interventions (e.g., cluster or step-wedge trials, policy pilots, network interventions) to improve workforce wellbeing, safety culture, and trust across Toyota and partner organizations
Integrate ethnographic and behavioral data into computational representations of social systems, using methods such as causal inference, social network analysis, or agent-based modeling
Model diffusion and adoption dynamics—how culture, norms, and trust propagate through teams and organizations
Collaborate with machine learning and AI researchers to embed cultural and organizational constructs in the Toyota People System’s architecture
Develop ethical, evidence-based measurement frameworks for cultural health, burnout resilience, and collective intelligence
Translate findings into action through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and design recommendations that inform human-centered AI products and organizational strategies
Advance responsible research practices, including IRB and open-science principles, for human-subjects work in organizational settings

Skills

Machine Learning

Ethnography

Causal Reasoning

Computational Modeling

Complex Systems Theory

Behavioral Science

Human-Computer Interaction

Intervention Design

Cluster Trials

Step-Wedge Trials

Network Interventions

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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