Deep understanding of post-training techniques such as supervised fine-tuning and RLHF/DPO.
Experience adapting large language models (LLMs) to specialized domains.
Ability to build intelligent systems using AI models, emphasizing system integration.
Proven research track record with publications or significant projects.
Daily use of AI tools to enhance personal work processes.
Strong programming and data analysis skills to prototype and test concepts.
Preference for demonstrating capabilities over theoretical discussions.
Responsibilities
Develop and refine methods for adapting foundation models to meet real-world requirements.
Investigate techniques for aligning large models with human objectives and system needs.
Assess trade-offs in model performance regarding generalization versus specialization.
Bridge the gap between advanced model capabilities and reliable operational behaviors.
Inform strategies for leveraging AI safely and effectively across various industries.
Benefits
Opportunity to advance cutting-edge LLM research in the enterprise space.
Ownership over high-impact projects with freedom to innovate.
Access to state-of-the-art AI models and proprietary data sets.
Comprehensive health benefits covering 100% of costs for employees and dependents.
Mission-driven company contributing to significant advancements in productivity.
Collaborative environment fostering innovation and personal growth.
Full Job Description
Key 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
What We Require
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: We develop intelligent systems using models rather than training or fine-tuning them. Ideal candidates have expertise in compound AI systems, agentic collaboration, and associated techniques (ensembling, ReAct, graph-of-thoughts, etc.).
Proven Track Record of Research Results: Whether you've published in top journals, posted amazing work on twitter, or somewhere else we want to see what you've done.
Uses AI Every Day: Before you can revolutionize someone else's workflow, you need to revolutionize yours. You should be using tools like ChatGPT, Cursor, and Perplexity to accelerate your workflow.
Strong Programming and Data Analysis Skills: While you might not consider yourself a software engineer you need to be able to build prototypes of your ideas and then perform the experiments to prove the effectiveness to a F500 Head of AI.
Biases Towards Showing vs Telling: Our customers want to see the power of AI today vs discuss the most elegant idea that will take 5 years to realize.
What We Offer
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
Distyl has offices in San Francisco and New York. This role follows a hybrid collaboration model with 3+ days per week (Tuesday-Thursday) in-office.
