Senior ML Researcher Lead

RBC; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Toronto is seeking a Senior Researcher for AI Solutions. This role entails providing technical leadership in AI projects, developing innovative machine learning approaches, and mentoring team members. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, at least 2 years of relevant experience, and a track record of impactful research. This is a full-time position that offers a competitive compensation package, including bonuses and benefits, while contributing to significant advancements in the financial services industry.

Benefits

Comprehensive Total Rewards Program

Flexible benefits

Coaching and development opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience as a machine learning researcher or engineer in a product-centric environment.
• Expertise in machine learning, with additional experience in recommender systems or reinforcement learning.
• A history of high quality academic publications.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and scientific guidance to AI projects across teams.
• Develop innovative machine learning approaches and novel intellectual property.
• Iteratively refine and deliver machine learning concepts from proof of concept through to product delivery.
• Contribute to defining research vision and publish papers.

Skills

Data Science

Machine Learning

Deep Learning

Programming Languages

Education

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

Job description

Job Description

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 revolutionize 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.

Your responsibilities include:

• 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.

You’re our ideal candidate if you have:

• 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.).

What’s in it for you?

• 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 revolutionize 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, and 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, color, 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.

At 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.

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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