Summer 2026

Machine Learning Research Intern

Reinforcement/Imitation Learning

Posted on 2/18/2026

Sanctuary AI

Sanctuary AI

51-200 employees

General-purpose humanoid robots with autonomous control

No salary listed

Vancouver, BC, Canada

In Person

Category
AI & Machine Learning (1)
Required Skills
Python
Pytorch
Computer Vision
Reinforcement Learning
Requirements
  • Pursuing MS or Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field
  • Experience implementing a variety of Reinforcement Learning and Imitation Learning methods with a focus in a specialization such as computer vision or robotics
  • Hands-on experience integrating machine learning models onto a robotics platform
  • Experience implementing and deploying dexterous robotic manipulation tasks in simulation and on physical robots
  • Experience taking machine learning research and development and trained models into production
  • Experience with computer vision systems
  • Experience in simulation-to-reality transfer learning
  • Development with Python 3.6 or later
  • Working knowledge of PyTorch and/or JAX
  • Familiarity with Robot Operating System 2
  • Extensive knowledge of Reinforcement Learning and Imitation Learning principles and usage
Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and improve state-of-the-art Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Imitation Learning (IL) algorithms and test them in real-world settings
  • Keep up to date with state-of-the-art RL/IL methodologies and robotics
  • Identify, communicate, and drive promising research directions to the team
  • Find ways of improving existing implementations of RL/IL pipelines with regards to standard metrics such as sample efficiency, speed, computational resource usage, and scalability
  • Design RL/IL training and data-collection pipelines to facilitate fast deployment on physical robots
  • Work with a multidisciplinary team to develop novel algorithms and investigate sources of errors with existing implementations
Desired Qualifications
  • Pursuing MS or Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Applied Math, or related field
  • Experience implementing a variety of RL and IL methods with a focus in a specialization such as computer vision or robotics
  • Hands-on experience integrating ML models onto a robotics platform
  • Experience implementing and deploying (dexterous) robotic manipulation tasks in simulation and on physical robots
  • Experience taking ML R&D and trained models into production
  • Experience with computer vision systems
  • Experience in simulation-to-reality transfer learning
  • Development with Python 3.6 or later
  • Working knowledge of PyTorch and/or JAX
  • Familiarity with ROS2
  • Extensive knowledge of RL/IL principles and use
  • Concepts and practice of simulation-to-real world transfer learning
  • Ability to work effectively in a team and strong communication skills
  • A proactive attitude and willingness to learn and tackle challenging problems
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
  • Patience, persistence, and attention to detail when resolving performance issues

Sanctuary AI is a developer of general-purpose humanoid robots designed to work alongside humans in business settings. Its flagship robot Phoenix, powered by the Carbon AI control system, can observe, assess, and carry out tasks when instructed, either autonomously or under remote piloting or human supervision. The product combines a versatile humanoid platform with an AI core that enables task automation and safe collaboration with people. Unlike many robotics players, Sanctuary AI emphasizes a single, general-purpose robot capable of handling a broad range of tasks across industries, aided by training programs to integrate Phoenix into existing workflows. The company positions itself in the AI and robotics market by selling Phoenix robots to organizations and offering ongoing training to ensure safe, effective operation. Their goal is to improve workplace efficiency and safety by deploying adaptable robots that can automate tasks while working alongside human workers.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$88.5M

Headquarters

Vancouver, Canada

Founded

2018

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Labor shortages strengthen demand for industrial humanoid robots.[2][4]
  • Dexterity and tactile sensing can unlock factory tasks requiring fine manipulation.[2]
  • Millions-of-robots ambition creates a large long-term platform opportunity.[2][4]

What critics are saying

  • Industrial deployment remains constrained by durability, precision, and training challenges.[2]
  • Autonomy is incomplete without tactile sensing, leaving teleoperation dependence.[2]
  • Humanoid robotics commercialization needs heavy capital before repeatable revenue arrives.[3]

What makes Sanctuary AI unique

  • Phoenix pairs embodied AI with tactile feedback and fine manipulation.[2]
  • Sanctuary targets industrial-grade humanoid robots, not narrow single-task automation.[2][4]
  • Carbon powers human-like movement and cognition in general-purpose robots.[1][2]

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Your Connections

People at Sanctuary AI who can refer or advise you

Benefits

Medical, dental, & vision insurance

Wellness programs

Stock options

PTO

Schedule flexibility

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

4%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

3%
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