By learning through embodied experience, via interaction, experimentation, and feedback, these systems will unify model discovery with action. Achieving this vision will require advances in knowledge representation, abstraction, reasoning, and active learning, as well as new approaches for connecting high-level models to low-level sensorimotor control. The project ultimately asks what it means to model the world when intelligence is situated in a physical agent.

Fellows will have the opportunity to contribute to this ambitious project, working closely with a team of researchers at Basis and Princeton University. The research environment is both structured and adaptable, providing multiple avenues for scholarly contribution. As a fellow, your expertise can shape various aspects of the project, allowing for a balance of focused research, academic exploration, and software development.

Who we’re looking for

• Researchers holding a PhD in robotics, computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cognitive science, or related fields.
• Strong background in areas such as program synthesis, reinforcement learning, robotics, automated planning, probabilistic programming, machine learning, AI reasoning systems, or cognitive modeling.
• Experience with real robots is preferred but not required.
• Interest in foundational AI research and its applications to modeling, abstraction, and reasoning.
• Individuals with a demonstrated track record in scientific research, evidenced through publications, technical reports, or impactful software projects.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research focused on the RoboMARA project.
• Develop new methods and algorithms for modeling, abstraction, and reasoning in physically embodied AI systems.
• Disseminate research findings through academic publications and presentations at leading conferences.
• Actively engage in knowledge transfer within Basis and Princeton University, converting research into actionable insights and algorithms.
• Provide mentorship to junior team members and contribute to the scientific discourse through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects.

Role Details

• In-person Policy: We are in the office four days a week. Be prepared to attend multi-day Basis-wide in-person events.
• Location: New York City (Primary) and Princeton, NJ. This position involves time at both Basis in NYC and Princeton University.
• Collaboration sites: Basis (NYC) and Princeton (Silver Lab); we are flexible about how time is partitioned across these locations based on project needs.
• Salary: Competitive with leading postdoctoral fellowships.
• Start date: Immediate start possible.

Not sure you meet every detail? Whether it's qualifications, work pattern, or location, exceptional candidates who don't check every box above are still encouraged to apply.

Non-Discrimination Notice
Basis Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics and prohibits discrimination based on all protected characteristics.

Privacy Notice

By submitting your application, you grant Basis permission to use your materials for both hiring evaluation and recruitment-related research and development purposes. Your information may be processed in different countries, including the US. You retain copyright while providing Basis a license to use these materials for the stated purposes.

Read our full Global Data Privacy Notice here.

Compensation: $100K