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Full-Time

Research Scientist

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Altera

Altera

11-50 employees

Develops digital human agents for AI

AI & Machine Learning
Consumer Software

Senior, Expert

Menlo Park, CA, USA

This position is located on-site in Menlo Park.

Category
Robotics & Autonomous Systems
AI Research
AI & Machine Learning
Required Skills
Python
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Computer Vision
Requirements
  • Proven research experience and a PhD in a relevant computational field
  • Proficiency in programming languages relevant to AI research, particularly Python.
  • Strong familiarity with machine learning, especially in areas like computer vision, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, or robotics.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to complex challenges.
  • Strong analytical and exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative solutions and approaches beyond traditional methods.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct thorough research and review relevant scientific papers.
  • Develop and design benchmarks for evaluating AI performance.
  • Create and iterate on agent architectures to enhance AI capabilities.
  • Run experiments to test hypotheses and improve agent functionalities.
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional team to align research goals with company objectives.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI and related fields.

Altera develops digital human agents that mimic human traits like empathy, friendship, and fun. Their primary product allows users to interact with an AI agent while playing Minecraft, creating a friendly and engaging experience. Altera's agents are designed to be interoperable and capable of long-term autonomy, making them suitable for both individual users and businesses. Unlike many competitors, Altera focuses on integrating fundamental human characteristics into their AI, aiming to enhance the interaction quality. The company's goal is to redefine AI capabilities, making agents more human-like and versatile, while also advancing research and technology in the field.

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$10.7M

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

N/A

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Altera's successful $9 million seed round, co-led by high-profile investors like Eric Schmidt's First Spark Ventures, indicates strong financial backing and growth potential.
  • The launch of Project Sid, featuring over 1,000 autonomous AI agents in a collaborative Minecraft world, showcases Altera's innovative capabilities and potential for large-scale applications.
  • Significant early-stage investments from notable firms like Andreessen Horowitz highlight the market's confidence in Altera's vision and technology.

What critics are saying

  • The niche focus on digital human agents may limit Altera's market reach compared to more broadly focused AI companies.
  • High expectations from investors and the market could pressure the company to deliver rapid advancements, potentially leading to rushed or suboptimal product releases.

What makes Altera unique

  • Altera focuses on developing digital human agents with human-like traits such as empathy and friendship, setting it apart from competitors who primarily focus on functional AI.
  • Their unique product, an AI agent capable of playing Minecraft, offers a novel and engaging user experience that is not commonly found in the AI sector.
  • The company's emphasis on long-term autonomous agents and interoperability makes it a versatile solution for both individual users and enterprises.