Senior Machine Learning Researcher

ODAIA; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

RBC Borealis is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Researcher to lead end-to-end AI projects—from problem scoping and data exploration to prototyping novel algorithms and deploying ML-based products. You will work with leading researchers on massive datasets and cutting-edge infrastructure.

The role emphasizes deep ML, NLP/LLMs, and a track record of delivering high-impact ML products, with opportunities to mentor junior talent and publish in top venues.

Qualifications

• PhD required in CS or related field.
• 2+ years of experience as ML researcher/engineer in product environment.
• Deep expertise in ML; NLP/LLMs a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive research strategy and lead independent projects with measurable impact.
• Design and deploy scalable ML systems; guide cross-functional teams on implementation.
• Build organizational expertise by mentoring researchers and engineers and disseminating knowledge.
• Establish thought leadership through peer-reviewed publications and conference talks (NeurIPS, ACL, EMNLP).
• Advise leadership with clear, actionable recommendations on high-stakes decisions.
• Cultivate strategic relationships across teams and external collaborators to deliver measurable value.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Computer Programming

Data Science

Large Language Models (LLMs)

Machine Learning (ML)

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Job Description

RBC Borealis is looking for an enthusiastic Senior Machine Learning Researcher who's excited by the opportunity of being at the forefront of machine learning technology and working on extremely challenging problems in the financial services industry. As a Senior Machine Learning Researcher, you'll be part of a collaborative team delivering AI projects end to end, covering everything from scoping and defining the AI problem, to data pre-processing and exploration, to prototyping novel algorithmic solutions, to software implementations of machine learning-based products.

At RBC Borealis you'll be joining a team that works directly with leading researchers in machine learning; and you'll have access to rich and massive datasets and to the computational resources that support cutting-edge machine learning R&D.

Your responsibilities include:

• Drive Research Strategy: Formulate and lead independent research projects that solve complex, high-impact problems. Define success metrics aligned with both business goals and scientific rigor;
• Design & Implement ML Solutions: Architect and deploy scalable ML systems and algorithms. Provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams on implementation and optimization;
• Build Organizational Expertise: Mentor junior researchers and engineers. Review research outputs, disseminate knowledge, and foster a culture of innovation;
• Establish Thought Leadership: Author peer-reviewed publications, present at top-tier conferences (NeurIPS, ACL, EMNLP, etc.), and position the organization as an AI research leader;
• Advise Leadership: Synthesize complex technical and business considerations. Provide clear, actionable recommendations on high-stakes decisions with significant financial or operational impact;
• Cultivate Strategic Relationships: Build trusted partnerships across teams and external collaborators to deliver measurable value and shape organizational direction.

You're our ideal candidate if you have:

• A Ph.D. degree in Computer Science or a related technical field;
• 2+ years of experience as a machine learning researcher or engineer in a product-centric environment or equivalent experience;
• Deep expertise in machine learning; LLM and NLP experience a plus;
• Track record of delivering high-impact ML products from concept to production
• Experience mentoring junior technical talent;
• Exceptional communication skills—able to translate complex ideas for diverse audiences;
• A history of high-quality academic publications (e.g., NeurIPS, ACL, EMNLP, CVPR, ICLR, ICML etc.).

What's in it for you?

• Join a team that thinks progressively and works collaboratively. We care about seeing each other reach full potential;
• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock options where applicable;
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities;
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact from a local-to-global scale.

Job Skills

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Computer Programming
• Data Science
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Machine Learning (ML)

Additional Job Details

Address: 401 GEORGIA ST W:VANCOUVER

City: Vancouver

Country: Canada

Work hours/week: 37.5

Employment Type: Full time

Platform: TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS

Job Type: Regular

Pay Type: Salaried

Posted Date: 2026-05-06

Application Deadline: 2026-10-05

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

Our Employment Opportunities

At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.