As a PhD Research Intern on the AQ/EQ Foundation team, you will conduct state-of-the-art research in foundational models and building agentic AI systems. You will focus on fine-tuning and reinforcement learning of large language models (LLMs), with an emphasis on customizing them for Zillow’s domain. You’ll also explore the design of automated, agentic workflows that allow intelligent systems to reason, plan, and act in ways that directly improve the home-buying experience. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with applied scientists, engineers, and product leaders while pushing the boundaries of personalization and intelligent automation. You'll design training algorithms and therefore the improved agentic AI workflow will be shipped to various Zillow Agentic Skills to power the integrated Zillow Copilot experience, which is a rare opportunity to transform the real estate industry.
Responsibilities include:
Researching and developing techniques for fine-tuning LLMs with domain-specific data
Applying reinforcement learning to optimize model performance for user-centric outcome
Designing and prototyping agentic workflows that can autonomously perform tasks and assist home buyers
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to evaluate and deploy research prototypes
Sharing insights through presentations, documentation, and potentially publications
Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field with a strong publication record
Candidates should have a background in one or more of the following areas:
Advanced research in natural language processing (NLP) and/or reinforcement learning (RL)
Practical experience fine-tuning and adapting large language models (LLMs) for specific use cases
Familiarity with the design and implementation of automated/ agentic workflows
Deep understanding of LLMs, hands on experience of post-training with the most popular OSS models
Proficiency in Python and modern ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)
Excited about applying advanced AI methods to impactful, real-world problems
Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
Strong research mindset, with motivation to publish
Here at Zillow - we value the experience and perspective of candidates with non-traditional backgrounds. We encourage you to apply if you have transferable skills or related experiences.
Get to know usAt Zillow, we’re reimagining how people move—through the real estate market and through their careers. As the most-visited real estate platform in the U.S., we help customers navigate buying, selling, financing and renting with greater ease and confidence. Whether you're working in tech, sales, operations, or design, you’ll be part of a company that's reshaping an industry and helping more people make home a reality.
Zillow is honored to be recognized among the best workplaces in the country. Zillow was named one of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2025, and included on the PEOPLE Companies That Care® 2025 list, reflecting our commitment to creating an innovative, inclusive, and engaging culture where employees are empowered to grow.
No matter where you sit in the organization, your work will help drive innovation, support our customers, and move the industry—and your career—forward, together.
Zillow Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact your recruiter directly.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable state and local law.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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What We Do
Join our mission to give the people power to unlock life’s next chapter.
Our homes are the heartbeat of our lives, and we believe that finding a home shouldn’t be so hard in today’s always-on world. That’s why we’re reimagining the traditional rules of real estate to make it easier than ever to move from one home to the next.
Our journey began nearly 15 years ago with a handful of employees and one big idea: to make it radically easier for people to move. We began by helping people understand and track their homes with the Zestimate, our proprietary algorithm, and then with advanced technology and valuable connections with real estate professionals. Today, Zillow has become a household name. People are more likely to search for “Zillow” than “real estate,” and our name is often used as a verb.
While other industries have ushered in a new era of convenience, the time for seamless and convenient real estate experience is now. This is our next chapter as a company.
We’re looking for smart, passionate adventurers to join us as we reimagine the real estate transaction and change the way people buy, sell, rent and finance their homes.
