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 and evaluate world models for autonomous vehicles, enabling high-fidelity predictive modeling and robust policy assessment in dynamic driving environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Infer latent state representations from sensor data to support world models.
- Ensure 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
- Experience in inferring latent state representations from sensor data for world models in autonomous vehicles or related fields.
- Ability to develop and support high-fidelity predictive modeling and reliable policy assessment in simulated or learned environments.
- Experience working closely with researchers developing world models and policy evaluation to ensure latent states are semantically rich, temporally coherent, and suitable for long-horizon prediction and counterfactual analysis.
- Proficiency in raw perception and structured representations related to sensor data processing.
- Demonstrated expertise in AI, robotics, or related disciplines relevant to autonomous driving and world modeling.
- Educational background in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related areas (implying at least a Bachelor's degree, though specific degree requirements are not explicitly stated).
- Experience in developing scalable, human-like driving intelligence or similar multi-agent reasoning systems in dynamic environments (preferred but not explicitly mandatory).
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including researchers focused on perception, world modeling, and policy evaluation.
- Strong understanding of sensor modalities used in autonomous vehicles (e.g., LiDAR, radar, cameras) and their integration into world models.
- Experience with predictive modeling, counterfactual analysis, and long-horizon prediction techniques in the context of autonomous systems.
- Ability to contribute to the development of interpretable and adaptable driving policies that generalize across various tasks and scenarios.
- Availability to work in California-based roles with an understanding that the position's pay range is between $176,000 and $264,000 annually, depending on individual factors.
Benefits & Perks
Salary range between $176,000 and $264,000 per year
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) eligibility
Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
Annual cash bonus
Ready to Apply?
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