Research Scientist - Frontier Benchmarks

About the role

About Snorkel Snorkel AI is the frontier AI data lab, helping teams build the data and environments behind high-performing frontier and agentic AI. We combine technology with research-driven AI data development to create datasets, benchmarks, evals, and custom solutions for real-world AI systems. Founded out of the Stanford AI Lab in 2019, Snorkel works with leading AI labs and enterprises to move from better data to better outcomes. Excited to help us redefine how AI is built? Apply to be the newest Snorkeler! ABOUT THE ROLE We're looking for a Research Scientist to lead the design of next-generation benchmarks and datasets that push the boundaries of frontier model evaluation. You'll define what "good" looks like across a range of hard tasks, drawing on conversations with customers and academic partners to ground your datasets in real performance gaps. You'll build both the benchmarks that measure those gaps and the training data that helps close them, then partner with delivery, product, and go-to-market to bring what you build into production. This role is ideal for someone who wants to shape how the field measures progress in frontier AI, and who's energized by doing that work inside a fast-moving, cross-functional startup. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES - Design state of the art datasets that drive frontier model training and evaluation based on current model performance and academic partnerships - Translate benchmark insights into clear, compelling narratives that articulate the ROI of expert-curated data for customer-facing presentations, technical reports, and go-to-market materials. - Work cross-functionally with data operations, product, engineering, and strategy to surface research findings that inform the company roadmap. - Stay at the frontier of LLM evaluation research and bring best practices into Snorkel's workflows - Represent Snorkel's research externally through publications, blog posts, conference talks, and customer engagements that advance the conversation around data-centric AI PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Strong research background in AI/ML evaluation, NLP, or related fields, with a track record of rigorous experimental design — especially around measuring the impact of training and evaluation data on model behavior. - Exceptional communication skills — able to present complex technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences - Comfort operating in a fast-moving, cross-functional environment with ambiguous problem spaces - Genuine interest in GTM strategy, startup dynamics, and the commercial side of AI data services. - Ph.D. in machine learning, NLP, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry or research lab experience considered. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location. Salary range(s) for this role $200,000 — $375,000 USD Be Your Best at Snorkel Joining Snorkel AI means becoming part of a company that has market proven solutions, robust funding, and is scaling rapidly—offering a unique combination of stability and the excitement of high growth. As a member of our team, you’ll have meaningful opportunities to shape priorities and initiatives, influence key strategic decisions, and directly impact our ongoing success. Whether you’re looking to deepen your technical expertise, explore leadership opportunities, or learn new skills across multiple functions, you’re fully supported in building your career in an environment designed for growth, learning, and shared success. Snorkel AI is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Snorkel AI embraces diversity and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Snorkel AI prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, performance, merit, and business need. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.