Senior ML Researcher Lead

RBC; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution seeks a Senior Researcher for AI Solutions in Toronto. The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership in AI projects, contribute to developing innovative machine learning techniques, and mentor junior researchers. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, at least two years of experience in a product-centric role, and a track record of impactful machine learning product delivery. This full-time role integrates cutting-edge AI research with business needs.

Benefits

Comprehensive Total Rewards Program

Flexible benefits and bonuses

Coaching and development opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience as a machine learning researcher or engineer in a product-centric environment.
• Experience delivering high-impact machine learning products.
• Exceptional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and scientific guidance to AI projects.
• Develop innovative machine learning approaches and technology.
• Iteratively refine and deliver machine learning concepts from proof of concept to product.

Skills

Data Science

Machine Learning

Deep Learning

Programming Languages

Decision Making

Education

Ph.D. degree in Computer Science or related technical field

Job description

Job Description

What’s the opportunity?

RBC Borealis is at the forefront of artificial intelligence research and development, driving the innovative edge for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Our team is dedicated to advancing the science of AI, delivering cutting‑edge solutions that create substantial value for RBC and its customers. As part of RBC, you will have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects within a leading financial institution, harnessing the power of AI to revolutionise the financial services industry.

We are looking for a Senior Researcher for AI Solutions. The role focuses on technical leadership with the goal of delivering products for the financial services industry. The candidate will play a critical role in shaping and leading our product, technical solution, reputation, and practice. The role includes engagement with technical and business stakeholders to shape and deliver on project roadmaps. Mentorship and contributions to talent development is also a core component of the role.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership. Provide technical leadership and scientific guidance to AI projects, working within and across teams;
• Research Innovation. Develop innovative machine learning approaches and novel intellectual property;
• Product Delivery. Iteratively refine and deliver machine learning concepts from proof of concept through to product delivery;
• Research Leadership. Contribute to defining our research vision, publish papers, and communicate internally and externally around machine learning research;
• Mentorship. Collaborate with team members including other researchers, engineers, and interns to grow and develop their skills in AI research and solutioning.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree in Computer Science or a related technical field;
• At least 2 years of experience as a machine learning researcher or engineer in a product‑centric environment or equivalent experience;
• Expertise in machine learning, with experience in recommender systems, experimental design, or reinforcement learning being a plus;
• Experience delivering high‑impact machine learning products;
• Experience of mentorship including junior researchers and engineers and experienced high‑performance researchers;
• Involvement across the research and development lifecycle, from prototyping to production, engaging with stakeholders to develop solutions that meet business needs;
• The ability to formulate and drive a research project independently;
• Exceptional communication skills;
• A history of high quality academic publications (e.g., NeurIPS, ACL, EMNLP, CVPR, ICLR, ICML etc.).

Benefits

• Lead 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.

About RBC Borealis

RBC Borealis is the driving force behind Royal Bank of Canada’s AI and data innovation. As part of Canada’s largest financial institution, we bring together a team of architects, engineers, scientists, and product experts on a mission to revolutionise finance through world‑class research, solutions, and a resilient data platform. With locations across Toronto, Waterloo, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver, we’re at the forefront of AI research and platform development. With a focus on cutting‑edge research in areas like time series forecasting, causal machine learning, and responsible AI, we are seamlessly integrating AI research and data engineering, to solve critical challenges in the financial industry. We are building intelligent, scalable, data‑driven solutions that will help communities thrive and drive innovation for our customers across the bank.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

RBC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status, Aboriginal/Native American status or any other legally‑protected factors. Disability‑related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Job Skills

Data Science, Decision Making, Deep Learning, Emerging Technologies, Group Problem Solving, Machine Learning, Multi‑Level Communication, Programming Languages

Additional Job Details

Address: 777 BAY ST, TH 27:TORONTO

City: Toronto

Country: Canada

Work hours/week: 37.5

Employment Type: Full time

Platform: TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS

Job Type: Regular

Pay Type: Salaried

Posted Date: 2025-05-30

Application Deadline: 2026-04-20

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

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