Founding Research Scientist at stealth physical AI startup

The posting is from a stealth startup recruiting via an AI recruiter platform (Jack & Jill); the actual employer is anonymous, which limits verifiable detail.

Degree requirement: the JD states 'PhD from a top-tier robotics laboratory OR extensive research experience at a leading organization specializing in physical foundation models.' Because a PhD is explicitly offered as the primary path but an experience-based alternative is also accepted, the degree requirement is set to None — however, a PhD is strongly preferred and will likely be a practical gate for most candidates.

SOC classification is Medium confidence: the role is a research scientist in robotics/physical AI, which sits at the intersection of Data Scientists (15-2051, for the ML/modeling work) and the broader Computer Occupations bucket (15-1299). There is no single SOC that cleanly captures robotics research.

Skills like 'imitation learning' and 'robot manipulation policies' are not named tools but are specific, well-defined technical methodologies central to this role — retained as skills given their specificity to the field.

Compensation is listed as 'Not Disclosed'; significant equity (minority co-founder level) is mentioned but no cash figures are given.

The role is described as an individual contributor (IC) founding research scientist, not a people-management role, despite the expectation of eventually building a research function.

Ignored 1 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): end-to-end policy training.