Research Scientist, Latent State Inference for World Models
Toyota Research InstituteLos Altos, California
Full Time
Posted August 4, 2025
$176k - $264k
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Job Description
A Research Scientist position focused on inferring latent state representations from sensor data to develop robust world models and evaluate policies for autonomous vehicles, supporting high-fidelity predictive modeling and long-term decision-making in dynamic driving environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Infer latent state representations from sensor data to support world models.
- Ensure that inferred latent states are semantically rich, temporally coherent, and suitable for prediction and counterfactual analysis.
- Collaborate with researchers developing world models and policy evaluation frameworks.
- Enable high-fidelity predictive modeling and reliable policy assessment in simulated or learned environments.
Requirements
- Focus on inferring latent state representations from sensor data, powering world models, and supporting rigorous policy evaluation for autonomous vehicles.
- Work spans raw perception and structured representations, enabling high-fidelity predictive modeling and reliable policy assessment in simulated or learned environments.
- Ensure that the latent states inferred from real-world sensors are semantically rich, temporally coherent, and suitable for both long-horizon prediction and counterfactual analysis.
- Collaborate closely with researchers developing world models and those focused on policy evaluation.
- Submit a brief cover letter and include a link to Google Scholar with a full list of publications when applying for this position.
- Possess a minimum of a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related disciplines.
- Have experience in developing or working with world models, latent state inference, or related areas in autonomous systems or perception.
- Have experience in high-fidelity predictive modeling and policy evaluation in the context of autonomous vehicles or similar environments.
- Demonstrate knowledge of sensor data processing, structured representations, and temporal coherence in data modeling.
- Have the ability to work closely with multidisciplinary research teams focused on perception, world modeling, and policy evaluation.
Benefits & Perks
Salary range between $176,000 and $264,000 per year (California-based roles)
Generous benefits package including 401(k) eligibility
Paid time off benefits such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave
Annual cash bonus structure
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