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Applied AI Researcher, Post-Training

Distyl AI· Research
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Hybrid (San Francisco), Hybrid (New York)$150k - $250kFull-timePosted 11mo ago

About the role

Researcher role focusing on adapting and aligning foundation models for real-world enterprise use, through post-training techniques and integration with Distyl’s systems.

Responsibilities

  • The Post-Training team focuses on adapting foundation models to real-world performance and alignment requirements. Researchers develop and evaluate techniques such as supervised fine-tuning, preference optimization (DPO, RLHF, RLAIF), and continual adaptation to align models with Distyl’s enterprise systems. The goal is to bridge raw model capability with trustworthy, contextually aligned system behavior
  • Researchers in Post-Training investigate new methods for aligning large models with human and system-level objectives. They explore trade-offs between generalization and specialization, data efficiency and robustness, capability and controllability. Their work informs how Distyl leverages foundation models safely, effectively, and at scale across industries

Qualifications

  • Deep Understanding of Post-training Techniques: Familiarity with supervised fine-tuning, preference optimization (RLHF/DPO), LoRA/PEFT, and instruction-tuning pipelines
  • Experience Adapting Frontier Models: You’ve tuned or adapted LLMs/SLMs to specialized domains or behaviors through data curation, reward modeling, or continual pretraining
  • Experience Building with Models, Not Just Building Models: Expertise in compound AI systems, agentic collaboration, and associated techniques (ensembling, ReAct, graph-of-thoughts)
  • Proven Track Record of Research Results
  • Uses AI Every Day: Experience using tools like ChatGPT, Cursor, and Perplexity
  • Strong Programming and Data Analysis Skills
  • Biases Towards Showing vs Telling

Skills

Required:Post-training techniquesModel adaptationCompound AI systemsResearch communication

Benefits

  • The base salary range for this role is $150K – $250K, depending on experience, location, and level. In addition to base compensation, this role is eligible for meaningful equity, along with a comprehensive benefits package
  • 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents
  • Flexible time off
  • Retirement and financial planning benefits, including access to pre-tax HSA, FSA, and commuter accounts, 401(k), and financial coaching resources
  • Comprehensive wellness benefits, including physical fitness, mental well-being, and fertility and family-building benefits through Carrot
  • Complimentary in-office lunches and snacks provided
  • Access to state-of-the-art AI models, generous usage of modern AI tools, and real-world business problems
  • Ownership of high-impact projects across top enterprises
  • A mission-driven, fast-moving culture that values curiosity, pragmatism, and excellence
Last updated Aug 12, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Distyl AI

Rearchitecting Entire Industries For Frontier Technologies

Building AI solutions that power F500 big bets and create a competitive edge.

AIIndustry transformationEnterprise AIInnovation
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