Applied Researcher

Socket.dev; Toronto; On-site; CAD 118,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

RRSP eligibility

Parental leave

Job summary

eBay's Depop team is seeking a top-tier applied researcher to define and lead our AI/ML research strategy, developing innovative models for a global marketplace.

You'll collaborate with ML engineers, product teams, and researchers to translate research into scalable customer experiences, publishing at conferences and contributing to patents while shaping the future of circular commerce.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science or related field with 2+ years in ML/NLP/LLMs.
• Strong track record of applied research with publications or patents.
• Experience with multimodal learning and marketplace modeling.
• Hands-on engineering to deploy ML models in production.
• Experience leading research teams/strategy.

Responsibilities

• Define research directions influencing AI/ML across Depop's marketplace.
• Work with large-scale structured and unstructured multimodal datasets.
• Research, develop, and deploy innovative AI/ML models into production.
• Collaborate with a global team to translate research into scalable experiences.
• Explore LLMs, GenAI, multimodal AI, and related technologies.

Skills

PhD in CS

ML/NLP/LLMs

Multimodal learning

Production ML deployment

Research leadership

Education

PhD in Computer Science

Job description

At eBay, we're more than a global ecommerce leader — we’re changing the way the world shops and sells. Our platform empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world. We’re committed to pushing boundaries and leaving our mark as we reinvent the future of ecommerce for enthusiasts.

Our customers are our compass, authenticity thrives, bold ideas are welcome, and everyone can bring their unique selves to work — every day. We're in this together, sustaining the future of our customers, our company, and our planet.

Join a team of passionate thinkers, innovators, and dreamers — and help us connect people and build communities to create economic opportunity for all.

As part of this focused C2C strategy, eBay continues to invest in the future of circular commerce and the next generation of conscious consumers. With the recent acquisition of Depop, a leading consumer-to-consumer fashion marketplace with a highly engaged Gen Z and Millennial customer base, eBay is rapidly growing its portfolio of complementary C2C businesses while preserving the distinct brand, community, and product experience that make Depop outstanding.

The Depop team is investing in advanced Machine Learning, NLP, LLM/GenAI, RAG, and AI technologies to develop more intelligent and engaging marketplace experiences for our global community. We are looking for a top-tier applied researcher to help define and lead our AI/ML research strategy. This role involves developing innovative models that improve how customers and vendors discover, engage with, and transact across the Depop marketplace.

What You Will Accomplish

• Define research directions that influence how AI and Machine Learning are applied across Depop's global marketplace.

• Work with unique, large-scale structured and unstructured multimodal datasets representing millions of users and items.

• Research, develop, and deploy innovative AI/ML models into production with direct, measurable impact on Depop buyers and sellers.

• Partner with a global team of applied researchers, ML engineers, software engineers, product leaders, and other cross-functional partners to translate research into scalable customer experiences.

• Explore emerging areas including LLMs, GenAI, multimodal AI, visual content analysis, and other technologies that can improve the Depop marketplace.

• Publish research at leading conferences and contribute to patents, technical publications, and thought leadership.

What You Will Bring

• PhD in Computer Science or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience in Machine Learning, AI, NLP, LLMs, or related areas.

• Deep expertise in developing and applying advanced Machine Learning techniques to complex, large-scale problems.

• Strong track record of applied research demonstrated through publications, patents, technical articles, or other contributions to the field.

• Experience with multimodal learning, user or marketplace modeling, NLP, LLMs, GenAI, or related AI technologies.

• Experience with video understanding or video technologies is a plus.

• Strong hands-on engineering skills with experience building and deploying ML models into production, either on-premises or using cloud platforms.

• Experience serving as a research or technical lead, including defining research strategy, influencing technical direction, and collaborating with engineering and product teams.

Additional Details

The base pay range for this position is expected in the range below:

C$118,000 - C$157,500

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including location, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a target bonus and restricted stock units (as applicable) in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including RRSP eligibility, various paid time off benefits, such as PTO and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

This job posting relates to an existing vacancy within eBay.

eBay is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, or other legally protected status. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail]. We will make every effort to respond to your request for accommodation as soon as possible. View our accessibility statement to learn more about eBay's commitment to ensuring digital accessibility.

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