Principal Researcher

MediaTek; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MediaTek in Greater London is seeking a Principal Researcher to shape the strategic direction of research initiatives and drive breakthroughs in AI. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant field, have a distinguished publication record, and possess exceptional leadership skills. Responsibilities include overseeing multiple projects, influencing research priorities, and engaging with external partnerships. MediaTek offers a dynamic environment with opportunities for significant impact in the field of AI.

Qualifications

• PhD in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or equivalent research experience.
• Distinguished publication record in top conferences and journals.
• Demonstrated ability to shape research strategy and oversee multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Shape and communicate the strategic vision for research across the organization.
• Oversee multiple high-impact research projects.
• Mentor and provide leadership to senior researchers and research teams.

Skills

Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence

Programming (Python, C++)

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

JAX

Job description

Job Description

As a Principal Researcher, you are expected to shape the strategic vision of our research initiatives and drive transformative breakthroughs in AI. This role is suited for individuals who excel at influencing organizational research priorities, overseeing multiple projects, and representing the team in high‑level external partnerships. Principal Researchers are leaders who mentor senior staff, set policy, and ensure our research has a lasting impact on both the company and the broader scientific community.

Focus Areas

• Applying AI to the design and optimization of semiconductors
• Conducting fundamental research that supports both our applications and the broader scientific community. Current areas of interest include large language models (LLMs), optimization methods for deep learning, reinforcement learning (RL), and generative models.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and communicate the strategic vision for research across the organization
• Oversee multiple high‑impact research projects and ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Drive breakthroughs in machine learning and artificial intelligence through innovative research
• Mentor and provide leadership to senior researchers and research teams
• Represent the team in external partnerships, collaborations, and policy discussions
• Influence organizational research priorities and contribute to policy development
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including academic, industry, and funding partners
• Publish and present research findings at top‑tier conferences, journals, and industry forums
• Stay at the forefront of advancements in AI and related fields, identifying new opportunities for impact

Qualifications & Expectations Required

• PhD in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field; or equivalent research experience
• Distinguished publication record in top conferences and journals (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL)
• Demonstrated ability to shape research strategy and oversee multiple projects
• Proven track record of driving breakthroughs and influencing research priorities
• Advanced proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or similar
• Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and communication skills
• Experience representing research teams in external partnerships and policy forums

Preferred

• Deep expertise in optimization, reinforcement learning, and/or large language models (LLMs)
• Experience in chip design and applied AI research
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, JAX)
• Experience influencing organizational policy and securing major research funding