Research Scientist, Human-AI Interaction at Handshake

About Handshake

Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab trust Handshake to power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value is leading to unparalleled growth; in 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale.

Why join Handshake now:

• Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel
• Work hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the world’s top educational institutions
• Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, among others
• Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue

About the Role

As a Research Scientist, Human–AI Interaction, you will play a pivotal role in defining how AI systems support real human work by leading research at the intersection of Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Large Language Models (LLMs), and task-level benchmarking.

You will operate at the frontier of human-centered AI evaluation, with a focus on understanding what people actually do to accomplish meaningful work—and how AI systems change, accelerate, or reshape that activity. Your research will define jobs-to-be-done benchmarks, comparative evaluation frameworks, and empirical methods for measuring human effort, time, quality, and outcomes when working with AI copilots. Additionally, the Handshake AI platform is an interface used by thousands of the top subject matter experts in the world to evaluate AI systems, and offers numerous interesting HCI / HITL-AI research questions that will drive large business impact.

You’ll set research direction, establish standards for measuring human activity in AI-mediated workflows, publish papers and open-source code, and lead the development of rigorous, scalable benchmarks that connect human work, AI assistance, and real economic value.

Role Overview

The Research Scientist, Human-AI Interaction at Handshake is a critical role focused on understanding and improving how humans interact with AI systems in professional settings. This role involves designing and conducting research to develop benchmarks, evaluation frameworks, and methods for measuring the impact of AI on human work. This position is ideal for someone passionate about shaping the future of work in the AI era and has a strong background in HCI, LLMs, and task-level benchmarking. You'll contribute to the development of AI that genuinely enhances human capabilities and productivity.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for a Research Scientist, Human-AI Interaction at Handshake might involve:

• Designing and implementing empirical studies to evaluate the effectiveness of AI copilots in various professional tasks.
• Analyzing data from user interactions with AI systems to identify areas for improvement.
• Developing new benchmarks for assessing the performance of AI systems in supporting human work.
• Collaborating with engineers and product managers to integrate research findings into Handshake products.
• Writing and publishing research papers on topics related to Human-AI Interaction.
• Presenting research findings at internal and external conferences.
• Prototyping new AI systems and evaluation infrastructure.
• Mentoring junior researchers and interns.
• Staying up-to-date on the latest research in the field.

Why San Francisco, California?

San Francisco is a global hub for technology and innovation, making it an ideal location for a Research Scientist in Human-AI Interaction. The city is home to numerous leading AI companies, research institutions, and universities, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and professional development. San Francisco's vibrant culture and diverse community also offer a rich and stimulating environment for personal growth.

Furthermore, Handshake's presence in San Francisco places you at the center of the company's operations and strategy. You'll have direct access to key decision-makers and resources, enabling you to make a significant impact on the company's direction.

Career Path

The Research Scientist, Human-AI Interaction role at Handshake offers a clear career path for growth and advancement. Potential career trajectories include:

• Senior Research Scientist: Lead larger research projects and mentor junior researchers.
• Principal Research Scientist: Drive the overall research strategy for Human-AI Interaction at Handshake.
• Research Manager: Manage a team of research scientists and oversee multiple research projects.
• Director of Research: Lead the entire research organization at Handshake.
• Expert/Advisory Role: Provide technical expertise and guidance to product and engineering teams.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for a Research Scientist, Human-AI Interaction at Handshake in San Francisco is typically between $140,000 and $240,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to a competitive salary, Handshake offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited paid time off and flexible work arrangements
• Generous parental leave policy
• 401(k) with company match
• Professional development budget
• Wellness programs and resources
• Commuter benefits
• Free meals and snacks
• On-site gym and fitness classes

Mission and Values

Handshake's mission is to democratize opportunity and empower the next generation of talent. As a Research Scientist, Human-AI Interaction, you will play a crucial role in advancing this mission by developing AI systems that make it easier for people to find meaningful work and build successful careers. Handshake values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

How to Apply

To apply for the Research Scientist, Human-AI Interaction position at Handshake, please submit your resume and a cover letter through the Handshake careers website. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant research experience, your interest in Human-AI Interaction, and your passion for Handshake's mission.

FAQ

1. What is Handshake?

   Handshake is the career network for the AI economy, connecting students, alumni, and professionals with employers and opportunities.

2. What does a Research Scientist, Human-AI Interaction do at Handshake?

   A Research Scientist in Human-AI Interaction leads research at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction, Large Language Models, and task-level benchmarking to improve how AI systems support human work.

3. What qualifications are required for this role?

   An advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, along with proven research experience in Human-AI Interaction and a strong understanding of Large Language Models, is required.

4. What skills are important for this role?

   Strong skills in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Large Language Models (LLMs), task-level benchmarking, AI evaluation, empirical methods, and data analysis are crucial for this role.

5. What is the career path for this role?

   Potential career paths include Senior Research Scientist, Principal Research Scientist, Research Manager, and Director of Research.

6. What is the salary range for this position?

   The salary range for this position typically falls between $140,000 and $240,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

7. What benefits does Handshake offer?

   Handshake offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, unlimited paid time off, a generous parental leave policy, and a 401(k) with company match.

8. Why is San Francisco a good location for this role?

   San Francisco is a global hub for technology and innovation, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and professional development in the field of AI.

9. How does this role contribute to Handshake's mission?

   This role contributes to Handshake's mission by developing AI systems that make it easier for people to find meaningful work and build successful careers.

10. How do I apply for this position?

    To apply, submit your resume and a cover letter through the Handshake careers website, highlighting your relevant research experience and interest in Human-AI Interaction.