Research Scientist, AI Evaluation Science

Role Number: 200649482Team: Software and ServicesLocation: SeattlePosted: 2026-03-03SummaryAI systems are only as trustworthy as the methods used to evaluate them. At Apple, where AI powers experiences for billions of people, getting evaluation right is not a support function—it is a foundational science. Our team, part of Apple Services Engineering, is building that scientific foundation: rigorous, scalable evaluation methodology for LLMs, agentic systems, and human-AI interaction.What makes this team unusual is its interdisciplinary core. You will work alongside measurement scientists (psychometrics, validity theory), ML researchers, and platform engineers—bringing together ML research, statistical rigor, and production engineering.We are looking for a Research Scientist who treats evaluation methodology itself as a first-class research problem—someone with deep technical fluency in preference learning, reward modeling, or calibration theory, and the drive to advance the field while solving real problems at scale. We're hiring at multiple levels (early-career to senior researchers). What unites all candidates is depth of thinking about evaluation as a research problem.DescriptionThis is primarily a research role. You will formulate open problems in evaluation science, design experiments, publish findings, and drive projects from conception through completion. While you will also partner with platform engineers to ensure your methods are productionized into SDKs and APIs, the focus of the role is original research.Our research team brings together ML scientists and measurement scientists to tackle evaluation as both a machine learning and a measurement problem, building methods that are technically innovative and scientifically valid. You will also work closely with a platform engineering team that translates research into production-ready SDKs and APIs used across Apple.The successful candidate will have a strong publication record in evaluation-adjacent ML areas and a demonstrated ability to implement complex methods from recent papers, run large-scale experiments, and communicate results to both technical and non-technical audiences.Minimum QualificationsPh.D. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a closely related field, with a research focus in evaluation-adjacent areas (preference learning, RLHF, human feedback, calibration, automated assessment)Strong publication record at top-tier conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, EMNLP), including first-author publications demonstrating independent research contributionsDeep technical expertise in at least one evaluation-adjacent ML area, with strong mathematical foundations: preference learning and reward modeling (RLHF, DPO, reward hacking, specification gaming); OR calibration theory, proper scoring rules, and statistical reliability; OR human-AI interaction methodology (active learning, annotation quality, preference elicitation)Demonstrated ability to implement complex methods from recent papers and run large-scale experimentsTrack record of translating research into practical systems—prototypes, tools, or methods adopted by othersExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear research papers and explain complex concepts to diverse audiencesPreferred QualificationsPublications specifically on evaluation methodology—papers about how to evaluate, not just papers that use evaluation to demonstrate model improvementsStrong hands-on experience with modern ML frameworks (PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow) and training or fine-tuning large language modelsExperience with theoretical foundations of evaluation: measurement theory and validity frameworks, statistical learning theory (calibration, reliability, decision theory), or preference elicitation and aggregationSpecific research experience in one or more of: reward modeling and RLHF for alignment; LLM-as-judge approaches (calibration, rubric design, bias mitigation); benchmark design and validation (IRT, contamination detection); human evaluation methodology (protocol design, quality control); or agentic and multi-agent system evaluationDemonstrated passion for evaluation as a research area: conference presentations, workshops, or tutorials on evaluation topics; open-source contributions to evaluation tools or benchmarks; active engagement with the evaluation research communityExperience with cross-disciplinary research, such as collaboration with social scientists, psychometricians, or domain expertsPay & BenefitsAt Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $205,400 and $308,500, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple BenefitsNote: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.EEO StatementApple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicantAccessibilityAt Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplaceLearn about reasonable accommodations for job applicantsApplication DeadlineApple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.