[Remote] Principal AI/ML Researcher / Engineer In Bayesian, Large Foundational Systems, and Distributional Reinforcement Learning

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Airbnb is a global hospitality company that connects hosts and guests through unique stays and experiences. They are seeking a seasoned Principal AI/ML Researcher and Engineer with expertise in Bayesian Learning and Distributional Reinforcement Learning to lead the development of advanced AI models that enhance personalization and decision-making. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate and integrate AI systems that operate efficiently at scale.ResponsibilitiesLead groundbreaking applied research in Bayesian systems, distributional reinforcement learning, and multi-modal architectures to drive novel advances in AI and Foundational Intelligence (Ranking, Recommendations, Personalization) to fill out gaps in the Long Tail Curve of Discovery in order to grow the Business Offerings on both Guest and Host Long Tail EndsBridge the gap between theoretical AI/ML advancements and real-world production systemsEnsure that new research can be effectively applied and scaled to meet practical needsDefine and drive the architecture of large-scale Bayesian Framework-based AI systems at AirbnbDevelop multi-pass sharded Bayesian + Discriminative/Generative single to multi agent systems for scale and efficiencyIncorporate Mixture of Models and Agents, multitask learning, multi-objective optimization, and external knowledge systems into model designsInnovate methods to interoperate with LLMs, LRMs, LMMs, and transformer-based architectures, ensuring seamless integration and collaboration within the AI ecosystem using AI Multi-Agentic FrameworksBuild and refine Bayesian or Markovian Graph chains to incorporate uncertainty estimation, adaptive decision-making, and probabilistic reasoningDevelop foundational models by merging Bayesian techniques with Classical ML with L[L/M/R]Ms and other advanced architectures, ensuring compatibility and synergyContinuously improve systems for scalability, performance, and robustness, enabling models to absorb and adapt to diverse data sources and paradigmsLead technical direction and strategy for AI/ML systemsInfluence cross-functional teams, including engineering leaders, product managers, and data scientists, to adopt unified intelligence platform approachesPerform code reviews, mentor engineers, and champion best practices in AI/MLWork with structured and unstructured data to design models for diverse use casesCollaborate with cross-functional partners to identify opportunities, refine requirements, and drive impactful solutionsTranslate complex technical decisions into business valueDevelop, productionize, and maintain scalable AI/ML pipelines, including batch and real-time use casesImplement advanced model evaluation systems, including interpretability, hyperparameter optimization, and drift detectionEnsure system reliability and performance through rigorous testing and validationSkillsMaster's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)15+ years of technical experience in Applied Machine Learning, including producing code and deploying production systemsStrong programming skills in Python, Scala, Java, or C++, with expertise in AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)Proven experience with Bayesian Neural Networks, Bayesian Learning, and Reinforcement LearningStrong math background in probability, statistics, and optimizationExperience with building scalable AI/ML systems using technologies like Spark, Kafka, and distributed architecturesFamiliarity with advanced ML techniques, including Mixture of Models, Ensemble Techniques, multitask learning, and sharded architecturesPh.D. in a relevant technical field with 15+ years of experience in AI/ML research and engineeringExpertise in architecting and leading large-scale AI/ML systems with enterprise-level impactHands-on experience with multitask and multi-objective optimization systemsExperience in designing knowledge-driven systems and integrating external knowledge sourcesFamiliarity with foundational models, transformers, and their role in interoperating with Bayesian systemsExceptional leadership, collaboration, and communication skills in complex, matrixed organizationsStrong track record of publishing research or developing novel AI/ML techniquesBenefitsBonusEquityBenefitsEmployee Travel CreditsCompany OverviewAirbnb is an online community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book accommodations through mobile phones or the Internet. It was founded in 2008, and is headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA, with a workforce of 5001-10000 employees. Its website is https://www.airbnb.com.Company H1B SponsorshipAirbnb has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 27 in 2026, 234 in 2025, 176 in 2024, 160 in 2023, 270 in 2022, 250 in 2021, 274 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.