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Principal Research Scientist

San Francisco, CA

you.com is an AI-powered search and productivity platform designed to empower users with personalized, efficient, and trustworthy search experiences. As a cutting-edge technology company, we combine advanced AI models with user-first principles to deliver tools that enhance discovery, creativity, and productivity. At you.com, we are on a mission to create the most helpful search engine in the world—one that prioritizes transparency, privacy, and user control.

We’re building a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries who are passionate about shaping the future of AI and technology. At you.com, you’ll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects, collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, and grow your career in an environment that values creativity, diversity, and curiosity. If you’re ready to make a difference and help us revolutionize the way people search and work, we’d love to have you join us!

 

you.com is an AI Infrastructure company and designed to empower customers with the highest quality search and AI tools. At you.com, we are on a mission to create the most helpful search engine in the world—one that prioritizes transparency, privacy, and user control.

We’re building a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries who are passionate about shaping the future of AI and technology. At you.com, you’ll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects, collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, and grow your career in an environment that values creativity, diversity, and curiosity. If you’re ready to make a difference and help us revolutionize the way people search and work, we’d love to have you join us!

 

About the Role

As a Principal Research Scientist at You.com, you will be a visionary to lead pioneering research and development in information retrieval, large-scale data processing, and applied machine learning. This role is ideal for a scientist with a proven track record in both academic and industry settings, who thrives at the intersection of research innovation and real-world impact.

 

This is a remote position open to candidates based in the United States. We also have co-working spaces in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York.

 

Responsibilities

  • Drive Research Excellence: Lead and execute cutting-edge research projects in information retrieval, search systems, and natural language processing, with a focus on scalable and efficient algorithms.
  • Innovate at Scale: Architect and optimize large-scale data processing pipelines, leveraging distributed computing frameworks to handle massive datasets efficiently.
  • Open-Source Leadership: Spearhead and contribute to high-impact open-source projects, fostering community engagement and advancing the state of the art in search and data systems.
  • Collaborative Partnerships: Build and maintain strong collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and internal product teams to translate research breakthroughs into deployable solutions.
  • Mentorship & Thought Leadership: Mentor junior researchers and engineers, provide technical guidance, and represent the organization at top-tier conferences and workshops.
  • Publication & Dissemination: Author influential research papers, patents, and technical reports; present findings at international venues to establish thought leadership in the field.

 

Qualifications

  • Extensive experience in search indexing, information retrieval, or large-scale data systems.
  • Strong programming skills in Rust/ C++ (for high performance) and Python
  • Strong publication record in premier conferences and journals
  • Practical experience equivalent or equal to a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Retrieval, Machine Learning, or a related field.

 

Our salary bands are structured based on a combination of geographic tiers and internal leveling. Compensation is determined by multiple factors assessed during the interview process, with the final offer reflecting these considerations.

Salary Band

$250,000 - $350,000 USD

Company Perks:

  • Hubs in San Francisco and New York City offering regular in-person gatherings and co-working sessions

  • Flexible PTO with U.S. holidays observed and a week shutdown in December to rest and recharge*

  • A competitive health insurance plan covers 100% of the policyholder and 75% for dependents*

  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the US*

  • 401k program, 3% match - vested immediately!*

  • $500 work-from-home stipend to be used up to a year of your start date*

  • $1,200 per year Health & Wellness Allowance to support your personal goals*

  • The chance to collaborate with a team at the forefront of AI research

*Certain perks and benefits are limited to full-time employees only

 

you.com is an E-Verify employer. We are also an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. Please let us know if you require accommodation for any portion of the recruitment and hiring process.

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