Riot Games, Inc. logoRiot Games, Inc. logo

Staff Research Scientist, Foundation Models - Technology Research

Riot Games, Inc.Los Angeles, USA; Mercer Island, USA; Redwood City, USA
On-site Full-time

Clicking Apply Now takes you to AutoApply where you can tailor your resume and apply.


Experience Level

Mid to Senior

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you should possess the following qualifications: Ph. D. in Machine Learning, AI, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field in Computer Science/Quantitative disciplines, or equivalent experience. Demonstrated expertise in developing and evaluating world models that learn latent representations of game states, player behaviors, and environmental dynamics. Experience in creating predictive simulations that facilitate agent training, game balance testing, and rapid design iteration. Proficient in methods for synthetic data generation and automated balancing driven by learned environment models. Knowledge of language-conditioned techniques that combine large language models with state estimators to foster innovative game interactions. Strong ability to work with game teams to comprehend gameplay requirements and design limitations, ensuring research is grounded in real player experiences. Collaborative experience with game AI and NLP researchers to integrate world models into a cohesive AI framework across Technology Research. Continuous engagement with the latest academic and industry advancements in world models, predictive simulation, representation learning, and environment modeling (e.g., MuZero, Gato, Dreamer). Excellent communication skills to convey progress and insights to stakeholders, helping teams discern successful strategies from ineffective ones.

About the job

Riot Games is seeking a Staff Research Scientist to join the Technology Research team. This position is available in Los Angeles, Mercer Island, or Redwood City. The focus is on advancing machine learning, artificial intelligence, experimental design, and systems engineering to improve player experiences across Riot’s games.

Key responsibilities

  • Research and develop world models, learned representations that can understand, predict, and simulate complex game environments.
  • Create models that capture the structure and dynamics of Riot’s games, including state changes, player actions, and the impact of design updates.
  • Lead applied research to support scalable simulations for agent training, automated game balancing, synthetic data generation, and new language-driven game interactions.
  • Build prototypes that turn advances in predictive simulation, latent state representation, and environment modeling into practical tools for game teams.
  • Work directly with game teams to ensure research addresses real gameplay needs.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across Technology Research to integrate world models into game AI and natural language processing projects.

About the Technology Research team

This group specializes in applied research aimed at accelerating the creation of standout player experiences. The team values hands-on experimentation and works closely with game developers to bring research breakthroughs into actual gameplay.

About Riot Games, Inc.

Riot Games is a pioneering video game developer and publisher known for creating immersive gaming experiences and fostering a vibrant community of players. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Riot continuously pushes the boundaries of technology and creativity in the gaming industry.

Similar jobs

Browse all companies, explore by city & role, or SEO search pages. View directory listings: all jobs, search results, location & role pages.

Tailoring 0 resumes

We'll move completed jobs to Ready to Apply automatically.