Principal AI/ML Scientist

Vanguard Canada; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment management company, Vanguard Canada, is seeking a Principal AI/ML Scientist to spearhead research in innovative AI techniques. This role focuses on large language models and responsible AI practices while collaborating with industry partners and contributing to the AI research community through publications and presentations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of AI research experience in industry or academia.
• Strong coding skills, ability to produce clean, reproducible models.
• Experience with ML development lifecycle and frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Research innovative AI/ML techniques supporting Vanguard's strategic goals.
• Lead AI research projects and publish findings.
• Mentor research scientists and engineers.

Skills

AI/ML concepts

Large Language Models

NLP

Reinforcement Learning

Knowledge Graphs

Generative AI

Education

PhD or Master’s in Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Keras

Job description

Join to apply for the Principal AI/ML Scientist role at Vanguard Canada

Vanguard is one of the world's largest and most respected investment management companies, known for its client-centric approach, low-cost investment products, and commitment to long-term, data-driven investment strategies. Our Enterprise AI and Research (EAiR) team is actively working on advancing AI innovation by integrating cutting-edge concepts into the Vanguard AI ecosystem, establishing strategic AI partnerships, and building enterprise-level AI capabilities to empower Vanguard clients with advanced AI research and technology. The team aims to accelerate critical business solutions with AI capabilities, focusing on areas such as Agentic AI, Responsible AI, and Cognitive AI Architecture.

Role Overview:

As a Principal AI Research Scientist, you will lead pioneering research in Large Language Models, Agentic AI, Responsible AI, and Cognitive AI Architecture. You will contribute to the AI research community through publications, conference presentations, and collaborations. Your role involves fostering partnerships with universities and industry, translating complex AI concepts for diverse audiences, and ensuring Vanguard remains at the forefront of ethical and innovative AI practices.

Core Responsibilities:

• Research innovative AI/ML techniques supporting Vanguard's strategic goals, including LLMs, Autonomous Agents, Knowledge Graphs, AI in Finance, Generative AI, and Reinforcement Learning.
• Serve as an expert on cross-functional teams for strategic initiatives, educating stakeholders on AI research and innovation.
• Lead AI research projects, publish findings, and present at top AI conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, etc.
• Conduct deep diagnostics, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to support data-driven decisions.
• Lead R&D on industry-leading algorithms for LLM fine-tuning, Autonomous Agents, Knowledge Graphs, Generative AI, and Responsible AI in financial domains.
• Mentor research scientists and engineers, guiding technical roadmaps.
• Collaborate with business units to identify opportunities and develop innovative AI solutions.
• Work with product teams, sharing best practices in modern ML and AI advancements.

Qualifications:

• PhD or Master’s in Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Electrical & Computer Engineering.
• 10+ years of AI research experience in industry or academia.
• Expertise in AI/ML concepts, especially in Large Language Models, NLP, Reinforcement Learning, Knowledge Graphs, or Generative AI.
• Experience with ML development lifecycle and frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, etc.
• Strong coding skills, ability to produce clean, reproducible models.

How We Work:

Vanguard employs a hybrid working model promoting flexibility, in-person collaboration, and continuous learning. Our culture emphasizes mission-driven teamwork to support long-term client success and employee growth.