SciPhi, a YC W24 startup, is seeking a Founding AI Research Engineer to build the "copilot for science." This role involves developing AI models for scientific discovery, potentially including tasks like designing experiments, analyzing data, and generating scientific text. Ideal candidates possess strong machine learning expertise, experience with large language models, and a passion for scientific advancement. This is a full-time, remote position offering significant equity and the opportunity to shape the future of scientific research.
SciPhi, a promising startup currently participating in the prestigious Y Combinator Winter 2024 cohort, is embarking on an ambitious endeavor to revolutionize scientific research through the innovative application of artificial intelligence. They are actively seeking a highly motivated and exceptionally skilled Founding AI Research Engineer to join their nascent team and play a pivotal role in shaping the very foundation of this groundbreaking company. This individual will be a core member of the initial team, working directly alongside the founders to develop cutting-edge AI models and algorithms specifically designed to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery.
The ideal candidate for this crucial position will possess a deep understanding of machine learning principles and techniques, coupled with a demonstrated aptitude for applying these concepts to real-world scientific challenges. They should have a strong background in a relevant field, such as computer science, physics, or a related scientific discipline, and a proven track record of developing and implementing sophisticated AI models. Experience with deep learning frameworks, such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, is considered essential, as is proficiency in programming languages like Python. A familiarity with scientific computing tools and libraries would be highly advantageous.
SciPhi is particularly interested in individuals who are passionate about utilizing the power of AI to transform the scientific landscape. The chosen candidate will have the unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the development of a novel platform that aims to expedite research across diverse scientific domains. This is a chance not just to build sophisticated AI models, but to fundamentally alter the way scientific research is conducted, ultimately leading to faster breakthroughs and a deeper understanding of the world around us. The successful applicant will be instrumental in defining the company's technical direction and shaping its future impact on the scientific community. This position represents an exceptional opportunity for a highly talented and ambitious AI research engineer to make a lasting contribution to the field of scientific discovery.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42857929
HN commenters discuss SciPhi's job posting, expressing skepticism about the extremely broad required skillset, from AI research to frontend and backend development, devops, and even UI/UX design. Some speculate this signals a pre-seed stage startup looking for a "Swiss Army Knife" engineer to handle everything, which could be appealing to some but off-putting to specialists. Others question the feasibility of one person possessing such a diverse range of expertise at a high level. There's also debate on the appropriateness of requesting research publications for such a role and whether the compensation is competitive, given the demands. Several commenters highlight the high bar set by the requirements and the potential for burnout, while others see it as a great opportunity for a generalist to have a significant impact on a new company. The lack of specific research areas mentioned also draws some criticism, with commenters desiring more clarity on SciPhi's focus.
The Hacker News post titled "SciPhi (YC W24) Is Hiring" linking to a SciPhi job posting for a Founding AI Research Engineer generated several comments discussing various aspects of the role and the company.
Several commenters focused on the demanding nature of the "founding engineer" title. One commenter expressed skepticism about the implied equity compensation for such a crucial role, questioning whether the offered equity would truly reflect the significant contribution a founding engineer would make. This prompted a discussion about the difficulties of assessing early-stage equity and the importance of understanding the specifics of the offer. Another commenter pointed out that the term "founding engineer" can sometimes be misleading, as it's not always equivalent to being a true co-founder with significant ownership and decision-making power. This led to a conversation about the importance of clarifying roles and expectations early in the hiring process.
The required skills for the role also drew attention. Some users questioned the necessity of listing very specific and advanced technical skills, arguing that it might discourage otherwise qualified candidates from applying. They suggested that focusing on fundamental skills and a demonstrated ability to learn quickly might be a more effective approach to finding the right fit. Others debated the appropriateness of requiring expertise in areas like "graph neural networks for molecules" for a founding role, with some suggesting it was too niche.
The company's focus on AI for scientific discovery also generated discussion. Commenters expressed both excitement and skepticism about the potential of AI in this field. Some highlighted the challenges of applying AI to complex scientific problems, emphasizing the need for domain expertise and careful validation of results. Others were more optimistic, pointing to recent advancements in AI and the potential for transformative breakthroughs.
Finally, the YC (Y Combinator) association was mentioned. Some commenters saw the YC backing as a positive signal, suggesting it could indicate a promising company with good potential for growth. However, others cautioned against putting too much weight on the YC affiliation alone, advising potential candidates to thoroughly evaluate the company and the specific role before making a decision. There was some discussion around the implications of being a Winter 2024 batch company, suggesting that the company was still in its very early stages.