Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Language Technologies Institute (LTI) at CMU is a world-renowned research and education hub at the forefront of natural language processing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. Established within the School of Computer Science, LTI pioneers innovative ways to understanding, processing, and generating human language in both written and spoken forms.

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to join our team to work on cutting-edge "Reasoning Reward Models" (RRMs). The purpose of this role is to help move beyond traditional scalar reward signals by developing models that generate natural language insights to explain human preferences. The intern will assist in implementing pipelines that bridge structured logical reasoning (e.g., Math) and open-ended human reasoning (e.g., Medical), ultimately contributing to new methods for Large Language Model (LLM) post-training and alignment.

Core Responsibilities:

• Train Reasoning Reward Models using Supervised Fine-Tuning (SFT) and Direct Preference Optimization (DPO) to generate natural-language insights for Math and Medical tasks.
• Implement insight-based post-training mechanisms, specifically "Behavioral Priming" and "Insight Exhibition Rewards," to align models with interpretable reasoning criteria.
• Develop and implement software prototypes, algorithms, and data pipelines to support ongoing research projects.
• Execute experimental workflows and simulations, ensuring accurate data collection and logging.
• Analyze experimental results and metrics to identify trends, errors, or areas for optimization.
• Document technical processes, codebases, and research findings to ensure reproducibility and knowledge transfer.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant tools, libraries, and best practices in software engineering and research.

Flexibility and cultural sensitivity are valued proficiencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can optimally get along with a varied population of diverse audiences. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, AI, ML, Data Science or a related field.
• Programming proficiency in Python, with experience in deep learning.
• Knowledge and experience of LLM fundamentals
• Academic or project based familiarly with Large Language Model Concepts, including Supervised Fine-Tuning (SFT) and basic Reinforcement Learning (RL) concepts
• Experience manipulating and processing datasets for NLP tasks (working with tokenizers, JSONL formats or Hugging Face datasets).
• Demonstrated ability to read technical research papers and implement algorithms or baselines from code repositories.
• A combination of education and meaningful experience from which comparable knowledge is proven may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check investigation may be required

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Researchers

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information: