Machine Learning Security Research Fellow

Trail of Bits

70d • $100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Trail of Bits is launching a Machine Learning Security Research Fellowship designed for researchers seeking high-impact industry experience. This one-year fellowship positions the researcher at the intersection of cutting-edge AI/ML research and real-world security, working with the world's most advanced AI/ML systems deployed by leading AI organizations. The fellow will conduct original security research on frontier AI/ML systems while collaborating with our AI Assurance team on high-stakes client engagements. This fellowship offers the intellectual rigor of academic research combined with direct impact on production AI/ML systems at scale, making it ideal for PhD candidates exploring alternatives to academic careers or recent graduates seeking industry research experience. No traditional security background required—we're looking for exceptional AI/ML researchers who can think adversarially about complex systems.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed (within 2 years) a PhD in machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related field, with strong research credentials.
• Track record of high-quality research through publications, preprints, workshop papers, or significant open-source contributions that demonstrate deep AI/ML expertise.
• Strong hands-on experience with modern AI/ML frameworks (PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow), foundation models, and the full AI/ML research workflow including experimentation, training, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to think adversarially about systems, identify edge cases, or explore failure modes—even without formal security training. Interest in adversarial AI/ML, robustness, or AI safety highly valued.
• Proficient in Python and comfortable with systems programming. Experience implementing research prototypes and experimental frameworks.
• Self-directed researcher capable of defining research questions, designing experiments, and driving projects to completion with minimal supervision.
• Can explain complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences and synthesize research findings into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Pursue your own AI/ML security research interests with support from Trail of Bits' research team, with opportunities to publish findings and present at leading conferences.
• Gain hands-on experience evaluating the security of state-of-the-art AI/ML systems deployed by top AI organizations, working on problems that represent the cutting edge of AI/ML security.
• Design and implement new attack methodologies, defensive techniques, and evaluation frameworks for adversarial AI/ML scenarios including model poisoning, adversarial examples, jailbreaks, and data extraction.
• Build and release AI/ML security tools and frameworks that benefit the broader research community, with support for open-source contribution as a core fellowship objective.
• Work alongside Trail of Bits' security research team, gaining exposure to security engineering practices while maintaining focus on research excellence.
• Produce publishable research, technical blog posts, and open-source tools that advance the state of AI/ML security understanding—with explicit support for academic publication.

Benefits

• Competitive salary complemented by performance-based bonuses.
• Fully company-paid insurance packages, including health, dental, vision, disability, and life.
• A solid 401(k) plan with a 5% match of your base salary.
• 20 days of paid vacation with flexibility for more, adhering to jurisdictional regulations.
• 4 months of parental leave to cherish the arrival of new family members.
• $10,000 in relocation assistance for those moving to NYC.
• $1,000 Working-from-Home stipend to create a comfortable and productive home office.
• $750 Learning & Development stipend for continuous personal and professional growth.
• Company-sponsored all-team celebrations, including travel and accommodation, to foster community and recognize achievements.
• Philanthropic contribution matching up to $2,000 annually.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees