Principal AI Researcher

Generative AI is transforming the way we interact with information, but it also poses an existential challenge to journalism and content creators. By scraping proprietary material without compensation, generative AI undermines key revenue streams—such as ad revenue, subscriptions, and licensing agreements—that sustain high-quality journalism and original content creation. Without proper attribution and compensation, publishers risk losing their audiences and the economic foundation needed to sustain high-quality, human-grounded journalism and content creation.

ProRata was founded in 2024 by Bill Gross at Idealab Studio with a mission to ensure that generative AI platforms fairly credit and compensate content owners for their contributions. Our groundbreaking technology enables generative AI platforms to attribute sources and share revenue on a per-use basis, protecting creators, fostering sustainable journalism, and promoting the integrity of AI-generated content.

Role:

We are seeking a talented Principal AI Researcher to join us as part of the Research group at ProRata. In this role, you will be at the heart of our mission and contribute to solving problems related to search, relevance, verification, reasoning, and more. If you are passionate about solving hard problems, making a difference, and creating a fairer digital ecosystem, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize and execute pioneering AI research for ProRata

• Design algorithms and implement advanced AI techniques.

• Explore new methodologies to enhance AI technology and existing algorithms.

• Work with cross-functional teams, including data scientists and software developers.

• Mentor junior team members and contribute to collaborative learning.

• Utilize modern machine learning tools, run experiments, and write code.

• Implement machine learning algorithms and AI tools within research opportunities.

• Transform ideas into prototypes and products, building necessary infrastructure with the team.

You have:

• PhD or equivalent experience in Computer Science, AI, or a related technical field

• Strong programming skills and proficiency in commonly used ML languages such as Python, and ML and data science libraries, such as, Pandas, PyTorch, and HuggingFace.

• Familiarity with advanced AI methods such as Transformer models, diffusion models, graph neural networks, and foundation models.

• Deep understanding of theory and application of Large Language Models (LLMs). For example, understanding of prompting, fine-tuning techniques, retrieval-augmented generation, evaluation, etc. Experience with data science techniques like feature engineering, model selection, and hyperparameter tuning.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct machine learning research studies. For example, publications in top-tier AI conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, ICLR, ACL, or NAACL.

• Critical and creative thinking to tackle complex challenges.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

• Passion for our mission at ProRata.

Work Environment:

Location: This position is Onsite. This role is based at our Bellevue WA (or Pasadena, CA) office location, and employees are expected to work on-site during regular business hours.

Compensation:

The compensation for this position will be competitive and commensurate with experience. The estimated salary range for this role is 230,000 -300,000 USD.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of AI technology

• Collaborative and innovative work environment

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• Professional development and growth opportunities

• Chance to make a significant impact on the company's success

Equal Employment Opportunity:

ProrataAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

California Specific Notices:

• At-Will Employment: Employment at ProrataAI is at-will. This means that either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or prior notice.
• Salary Disclosure: In compliance with California law, salary information is provided to ensure transparency and fairness.
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): ProrataAI complies with the CCPA. Personal information collected during the recruitment process will be used for employment purposes only.

Compensation Range: $230K - $300K