# Machine Learning Researcher, Multimodal LLMs

**Company:** [Bland AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/bland-ai)
**Location:** Remote
**Role:** AI Research
**Salary:** $140k – $250k/yr
**Skills:** LLMs, Multimodal Models, Speech-Language Systems, Prompting, Fine-Tuning, Alignment Techniques, Neural Audio Codecs, Conversational AI, Real-Time Voice Systems, Tool-Using Agents
**Posted:** 2026-04-21

> Develops next-generation multimodal LLMs integrating speech, text, tools, and real-time reasoning for conversational AI agents. Requires strong background in LLMs, multimodal models, fast experimentation, and production deployment experience.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of next-generation multimodal LLM stack, combining speech, text, tools, and real-time reasoning into a single unified system.
- Build industry-leading conversational AI models that power Bland's agent, taking them from idea to production.
- Define how agents listen, think, and act in real time, integrating streaming audio, tool execution, and dynamic context.

## Requirements
- **Strong LLM / Multimodal Background**: Experience with LLMs, multimodal models, or speech-language systems. Deep understanding of prompting, fine-tuning, and alignment techniques. Familiarity with neural audio codecs and modern multimodal LLM techniques.
- **Fast Experimental Loop**: Ability to go from idea → dataset → experiment → conclusion in days. Design experiments that answer questions.
- **Product Intuition**: Strong sense for natural vs robotic interactions. Translate abstract modeling ideas into user-facing improvements.
- **Builder Mentality**: Take ownership from research through deployment. Thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving environments. Care about impact over elegance.
- Think in systems, obsess over latency, correctness, and real-world behavior. Comfortable discarding ideas quickly. Push toward simple abstractions.

## Nice-to-Haves (Bonus Points)
- Experience with real-time voice systems or conversational AI.
- Background in tool-using agents or agent frameworks.
- Experience with multimodal datasets (audio + text + actions).
- Contributions to LLM or speech-related research or open source.

## Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $180,000 – $260,000
- Meaningful equity
- Full healthcare, dental, vision

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