AI Research Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
AI Research Scientists rank among the most actively sponsored roles in the U.S. Most employers file H-1B visa petitions for this position, and O-1A visas are a strong alternative for candidates with publications, patents, or conference presentations. A relevant graduate degree is almost always required. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we’re on a mission to improve the quality of human life. We’re developing new tools and capabilities to amplify the human experience. To lead this transformative shift in mobility, we’ve built a world-class team advancing the state of the art in AI, robotics, driving, and material sciences.
THE TEAM
TRI’s Adaptive Behavior Systems Department within our Human-Centered AI (HCAI) Division aims to develop AI systems that can support behavior change, such as reducing carbon emissions. To do this, we are developing novel models of human behavior that integrate behavioral science, Human-Computer Interaction, and advanced machine learning.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are looking for an AI Research Scientist or Senior AI Scientist with expertise in large-scale foundational model training, fine-tuning, evaluation, and benchmarking. This role operates at the forefront of generative machine learning and human behavior modeling. Ideal candidates will bring a strong research track record, hands-on experimentation skills, and experience developing and deploying foundational models. This role sits at the intersection of social science and generative AI, building models that represent human beliefs, preferences, and cognition as they change over time. For an example of our early research in this vein, please see https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.20252.
Responsibilities
- Conduct machine learning research that integrates behavioral science concepts to push the boundaries of knowledge and the state of the art in Human-Centered AI
- Develop and evaluate generative AI and machine learning methods for modeling and understanding human behavior
- Collaborate cross-functionally with researchers in multiple fields, as well as university partners
- Stay up to date on the state-of-the-art in machine learning theories, methods and tooling
- Collaborate with scientists in the Adaptive Behavioral Systems Department to shape our research program and to communicate research to Toyota stakeholders
- Publish research findings in academic journals and/or conferences
- Contribute to technology transfer of research insights and prototypes throughout Toyota
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in computer science, machine learning, or a closely related field with 1-7 years of experience in machine learning research or related projects in an industry setting, particularly in areas related to LLM training or large-scale ML. Industry experience is a plus.
- A strong publication record in ML, NLP, deep learning, or related fields
- Awareness of current machine learning research and the ability to critically evaluate emerging techniques and literature
- Experience with LLM/MLLM pretraining, fine-tuning (e.g., SFT, RLHF) and agentic systems
- Proficiency in Python and modern deep learning frameworks such as Pytorch or Tensorflow
- Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and functions
- Ability to balance multiple projects, including short-term and those that may span several years
- Strong project management skills and desire to work on cutting-edge open-ended research projects
- Demonstrated ability to independently identify research opportunities, formulate well-scoped problems, and lead research projects end-to-end
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously while soliciting feedback
- Strong interpersonal skills. Great teammate
BONUS QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with one or more of the following areas: diffusion models, uncertainty modeling, reinforcement learning, and physiological signal processing
- Previous experience in human modeling (both cognitive and behavioral) with generative AI
- Experience with human-centered research (e.g. computational behavioral and social science, human-computer interaction, neuro-science)
Please add a link to Google Scholar to include a full list of publications when submitting your CV for this position.
COMPENSATION
- The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $176,000 and $253,500/year for California-based roles. Base pay offered will depend on multiple individualized factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's experience, skills, job-related knowledge, and market location.
TRI offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) eligibility, paid time off benefits (including vacation, sick time, and parental leave), and an annual cash bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
Please reference this Candidate Privacy Notice to inform you of the categories of personal information that we collect from individuals who inquire about and/or apply to work for Toyota Research Institute, Inc. or its subsidiaries, including Toyota A.I. Ventures GP, L.P., and the purposes for which we use such personal information.
TRI is fueled by a diverse and inclusive community of people with unique backgrounds, education and life experiences. We are dedicated to fostering an innovative and collaborative environment by living the values that are an essential part of our culture. We believe diversity makes us stronger and are proud to provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all, without regard to an applicant’s race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, religion, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
INTRODUCTION
At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we’re on a mission to improve the quality of human life. We’re developing new tools and capabilities to amplify the human experience. To lead this transformative shift in mobility, we’ve built a world-class team advancing the state of the art in AI, robotics, driving, and material sciences.
THE TEAM
TRI’s Adaptive Behavior Systems Department within our Human-Centered AI (HCAI) Division aims to develop AI systems that can support behavior change, such as reducing carbon emissions. To do this, we are developing novel models of human behavior that integrate behavioral science, Human-Computer Interaction, and advanced machine learning.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are looking for an AI Research Scientist or Senior AI Scientist with expertise in large-scale foundational model training, fine-tuning, evaluation, and benchmarking. This role operates at the forefront of generative machine learning and human behavior modeling. Ideal candidates will bring a strong research track record, hands-on experimentation skills, and experience developing and deploying foundational models. This role sits at the intersection of social science and generative AI, building models that represent human beliefs, preferences, and cognition as they change over time. For an example of our early research in this vein, please see https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.20252.
Responsibilities
- Conduct machine learning research that integrates behavioral science concepts to push the boundaries of knowledge and the state of the art in Human-Centered AI
- Develop and evaluate generative AI and machine learning methods for modeling and understanding human behavior
- Collaborate cross-functionally with researchers in multiple fields, as well as university partners
- Stay up to date on the state-of-the-art in machine learning theories, methods and tooling
- Collaborate with scientists in the Adaptive Behavioral Systems Department to shape our research program and to communicate research to Toyota stakeholders
- Publish research findings in academic journals and/or conferences
- Contribute to technology transfer of research insights and prototypes throughout Toyota
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in computer science, machine learning, or a closely related field with 1-7 years of experience in machine learning research or related projects in an industry setting, particularly in areas related to LLM training or large-scale ML. Industry experience is a plus.
- A strong publication record in ML, NLP, deep learning, or related fields
- Awareness of current machine learning research and the ability to critically evaluate emerging techniques and literature
- Experience with LLM/MLLM pretraining, fine-tuning (e.g., SFT, RLHF) and agentic systems
- Proficiency in Python and modern deep learning frameworks such as Pytorch or Tensorflow
- Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and functions
- Ability to balance multiple projects, including short-term and those that may span several years
- Strong project management skills and desire to work on cutting-edge open-ended research projects
- Demonstrated ability to independently identify research opportunities, formulate well-scoped problems, and lead research projects end-to-end
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously while soliciting feedback
- Strong interpersonal skills. Great teammate
BONUS QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with one or more of the following areas: diffusion models, uncertainty modeling, reinforcement learning, and physiological signal processing
- Previous experience in human modeling (both cognitive and behavioral) with generative AI
- Experience with human-centered research (e.g. computational behavioral and social science, human-computer interaction, neuro-science)
Please add a link to Google Scholar to include a full list of publications when submitting your CV for this position.
COMPENSATION
- The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $176,000 and $253,500/year for California-based roles. Base pay offered will depend on multiple individualized factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's experience, skills, job-related knowledge, and market location.
TRI offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) eligibility, paid time off benefits (including vacation, sick time, and parental leave), and an annual cash bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
Please reference this Candidate Privacy Notice to inform you of the categories of personal information that we collect from individuals who inquire about and/or apply to work for Toyota Research Institute, Inc. or its subsidiaries, including Toyota A.I. Ventures GP, L.P., and the purposes for which we use such personal information.
TRI is fueled by a diverse and inclusive community of people with unique backgrounds, education and life experiences. We are dedicated to fostering an innovative and collaborative environment by living the values that are an essential part of our culture. We believe diversity makes us stronger and are proud to provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all, without regard to an applicant’s race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, religion, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new AI Research Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an AI Research Scientist
Target employers with H-1B cap-exempt status
Universities, nonprofit research labs, and federally funded R&D centers can sponsor H-1B visas outside the annual lottery. For AI researchers, institutions like MIT Lincoln Laboratory or national labs offer a direct path without cap risk.
Build a publication record before applying
Employers sponsoring H-1B or O-1A visas for AI Research Scientists expect peer-reviewed publications or conference papers. A strong research output at NeurIPS, ICML, or ICLR signals both technical credibility and visa eligibility simultaneously.
Consider the O-1A if your H-1B wasn't selected
The O-1A has no lottery and no annual cap. AI researchers with publications, citations, conference speaking credits, or awards may qualify. Immigration attorneys report strong O-1A approval rates for candidates with a solid academic or industry research record.
Clarify your degree field matches the role
H-1B approval requires a specialty occupation link between your degree and the position. A PhD in computer science, statistics, or electrical engineering typically satisfies this. Mismatches between degree field and job description are a common reason for RFEs.
Ask about premium processing upfront
Premium processing reduces USCIS adjudication to 15 business days. For AI Research Scientists negotiating start dates, confirming whether the employer will elect premium processing avoids delays that can push back your first day by months.
Document your research contributions precisely
Sponsors need to write a strong support letter explaining the specialized nature of your role. Give your employer detailed documentation of your projects, methodologies, and outcomes. Vague job descriptions increase the likelihood of a Request for Evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do companies actually sponsor visas for AI Research Scientist roles?
Yes, and this is one of the most actively sponsored job titles in the U.S. Large tech companies, university labs, and government-affiliated research centers routinely file H-1B visa petitions for this role. DOL disclosure data consistently shows AI Research Scientist and related titles among the highest-volume H-1B filings each year. You can browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate.
What visa is most common for AI Research Scientists?
The H-1B is the most common visa for this role, typically requiring at least a master's degree in computer science, machine learning, statistics, or a closely related field. The O-1A is a strong alternative for candidates with a documented research record, including publications, citations, patents, or peer recognition. L-1B transfers are also used when researchers move from an overseas office to a U.S. entity.
Does a PhD improve my chances of getting sponsored?
It helps, but it isn't required. A PhD strengthens both the H-1B specialty occupation argument and the O-1A extraordinary ability case. However, many employers successfully sponsor candidates holding a master's degree with relevant research experience. The critical factor is that your degree field directly corresponds to the technical requirements of the specific AI research position.
What happens to my sponsorship if I switch research focus or team?
A significant change in job duties can require an amended H-1B petition. If your role shifts from, say, natural language processing research to computer vision in a way that changes the underlying job description, your employer should file an amendment before the change takes effect. Minor shifts within the same specialty typically don't require a new filing, but your employer's immigration counsel should make that determination.
How long does H-1B sponsorship take for this role?
Without premium processing, USCIS adjudication currently takes 3 to 6 months after the cap lottery in April, with an October 1 start date. With premium processing, adjudication is reduced to 15 business days from filing. For cap-exempt employers such as universities and nonprofit research organizations, H-1B petitions can be filed year-round and processed on the same premium processing timeline.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored AI Research Scientist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.