Machine learning developer

Stanford University is seeking a 1 year fixed term ML Engineer (Software Developer 1) to design, develop, and deploy machine learning systems for research and applied AI initiatives. The ideal candidate combines strong software engineering skills with deep expertise in deep learning, mechanistic interpretability, and natural language processing. This role involves building and maintaining ML pipelines, developing novel model architectures, conducting research publishable at top-tier venues, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to advance AI-driven scientific discovery and information retrieval capabilities in computational biology.

Duties include:

• Assess user needs and requirements.
• Design and develop applications that may involve sophisticated data manipulation.
• Maintain and update existing programs.
• Troubleshoot and solve technical problems.
• Create programs to meet reporting and analysis needs.
• Design and implement user and operations training programs.
• Document changes in software for end users.
• Follow team software development methodology.
• Serve as technical resource with respect to applications.
• - Other duties may also be assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Ph.D. or M.S. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a closely related field. Strong publication record. Expertise in deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow), transformer architectures, and mechanistic interpretability. Experience with LLM-based systems including RAG pipelines, chain-of-thought reasoning, and modern agentic frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LangGraph, CrewAI). Proficiency in Python and experience with distributed computing and API development (REST, GraphQL or gRPC). Background in feature attribution methods, graph neural networks, and computational biology applications. Strong communication skills with the ability to present research to both technical and non-technical audiences.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Working knowledge of latest software and design standards.
• Ability to define and solve logical problems for technical applications.
• Knowledge of and ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming methods.
• Ability to recognize and recommend needed changes in user and/or operations procedures.
• Basic knowledge of software engineering principles.
• Strong knowledge of at least one programming language.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:

None.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently sit, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally stand/walk, writing by hand.
• Rarely use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds
• - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May work extended hours, evening and weekends.

WORK STANDARDS (from JDL):

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,

The expected pay range for this position is $113,148 to $137,516 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.


Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at [email protected]. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.