Staff AI Research Scientist - Data Quality, Handshake AI

About Handshake AI

Handshake is building the career network for the AI economy. Our three-sided marketplace connects 18 million students and alumni, 1,500+ academic institutions across the U.S. and Europe, and 1 million employers to power how the next generation explores careers, builds skills, and gets hired.

Handshake AI is a human data labeling business that leverages the scale of the largest early career network.We work directly with the world's leading AI research labs to build a new generation of human data products. From PhDs in physics to undergrads fluent in LLMs, Handshake AI is the trusted partner for domain-specific data and evaluation at scale.

This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-growing team shaping the future of AI through better data, better tools, and better systems-for experts, by experts.

Now's a great time to join Handshake. Here's why :

• Leading the AI Career Revolution : Be part of the team redefining work in the AI economy for millions worldwide.
• Proven Market Demand : Deep employer partnerships across Fortune 500s and the world's leading AI research labs.
• World-Class Team : Leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, just to name a few.
• Capitalized & Scaling : $3.5B valuation from top investors including Kleiner Perkins, True Ventures, Notable Capital, and more.

About the Role

As a Staff Research Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of large language model (LLM) alignment by leading research and development at the intersection of data quality and post-training techniques such as RLHF, preference optimization, and reward modeling.

You will operate at the forefront of model alignment, with a focus on ensuring the integrity, reliability, and strategic use of supervision data that drives post-training performance. You'll set research direction, influence cross-functional data standards, and lead the development of scalable systems that diagnose and improve the data foundations of frontier AI.

You will :

Desired Capabilities

Extra Credit

Perks

Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported-and thrive at work and in life.

The below benefits are for full-time US employees.

Ownership : Equity in a fast-growing company

Financial Wellness : 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching

Family Support : Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching

Wellbeing : Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend

Growth : $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development

Remote & Office : Stipends for home office setup, internet, commuting, and free lunch / gym in our SF office

Time Off : Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days

Connection : Team outings & referral bonuses

Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com / careers.