Research Scientist, ML Systems - PhD New College Grad 2026

NVIDIA is hiring a Research Scientist, ML Systems - PhD New College Grad 2026 in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $168k-$265k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this research scientist role is Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
Tools and skills the posting cites include fine tuning.
Level lists 2,700+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

AI in this role

fine-tuning

Today, NVIDIA is tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, encouraging environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how we can make a lasting impact on the world.

We are now looking for a Research Scientist New Graduate with a focus on Machine Learning Systems (MLSys). NVIDIA Research is seeking exceptional systems researchers to contribute to the development of hardware, software, and infrastructure technology for ML systems of all scales. Advances in AI/ML heavily rely on the development of efficient, scalable, resilient, and trustworthy systems for training, fine-tuning, and serving ML models. AI/ML applications are also pushing the limits of both personal devices and warehouse-scale data centers. All layers of AI systems need to be co-designed and co-optimized to maximize performance and energy efficiency, improve scalability, and support emerging algorithms in this space. We are seeking candidates that have a proven track record of research excellence, a broad perspective on systems design across the full hardware/software/infrastructure stack, and depth in one of the layers such as AI/ML systems, operating systems, distributed systems, data management, cloud computing, and computer architecture.

What you'll be doing:

Understand and analyze the efficiency, scaling, and resilience challenges in ML systems, algorithms, and applications.
Develop creative systems solutions (hardware, software, infrastructure) for future ML systems of all scales.
Contribute to the co-design of next-generation AI/ML algorithms and systems.
Collaborate with a diverse set of research and product teams across the company, spanning software, hardware, AI, and networking.
Publish original research and speak at conferences and events.

What we need to see:

Recent graduate with a Ph.D. in CS/CE/EE with a strong background in operating systems, distributed systems, inference and training systems, data management systems, networking, cloud computing, and/or computer architecture (or equivalent experience). A strong publication, patent, and research collaboration history is a huge advantage.
Demonstrated expertise in one specific area with the ability to become the go-to resource within a team having varied backgrounds.
Background with experimental research and development.
Experience with C, C++, Python, and/or scripting languages.
Experience with using AI tools for analysis, design, and code development.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us. If you're creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and other objective job-related factors. The expected base salary range for this position is 168,000 USD – 264,500 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until November 3, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

How we rate this

Research Scientist, ML Systems - PhD New College Grad 2026 at NVIDIA rates 96 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Research Scientist, ML Systems - PhD New College Grad 2026 is an open job at NVIDIA.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $168k-$265k a year.
The role is based in US, CA, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on January 9, 2026.
Applications are handled by NVIDIA. Apply on NVIDIA

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Fine-tuning

Also common in research scientist jobs at this level

PyTorch LLM Deep learning Reinforcement learning Computer vision Generative AI

Pay

This job starts at: $168k
Typical research scientist job: $192k

This posting starts 12% below the typical research scientist job. See research scientist jobs

Questions you could be asked

Walk me through fine-tuning a model: what data did you use, and how did you check the result?
How would you decide a model or AI system is ready to ship?
Tell me about a time a model underperformed in production. How did you find out, and what did you change?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Fine-tuning. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.

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