Research Director

Samsung Electronics America; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Cambridge is seeking a Research Director to lead strategic research initiatives and manage teams of scientists and engineers in areas such as machine learning and AI. The ideal candidate will have a PhD, over 10 years of research experience, and a track record of translating innovations into practical applications.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of post-PhD research experience with strong publication record.
• Previous leadership of research teams with 10+ members.
• Proven ability to translate research into real-world products.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute long-term research vision aligned with business objectives.
• Lead teams of research scientists and engineers.
• Ensure quality and scientific excellence across all projects.

Skills

Leadership

Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence

Communication

Team Management

Research Oversight

Strategic Thinking

Education

PhD in Computer Science or AI

Job description

Position Summary

A Research Director at Samsung AI Center leads strategic research initiatives and manages teams of research scientists and engineers working on cutting‑edge technologies, particularly in areas of machine learning, generative AI, model compression, optimization, on‑device deployment, and emerging technologies that align with Samsung’s long‑term vision and product ecosystem.

Role and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute long‑term research vision and strategy aligned with Samsung’s business objectives and product roadmap
• Lead and mentor diverse teams of research scientists, engineers, and interns
• Collaborate closely with product teams, business units to translate research breakthroughs into practical applications and commercial solutions
• Foster innovation culture and maintain Samsung’s competitive position at the forefront of AI technological advancement

Research Oversight

• Oversee multiple complex research projects from conception through publication, implementation, successful on‑device deployment and commercialization
• Ensure research quality, methodological rigor, and scientific excellence across all projects
• Guide publication strategies for top‑tier academic conferences while balancing open research with proprietary innovations
• Drive intellectual property development and patent filing strategies
• Evaluate emerging research directions and assess their potential impact on Samsung’s technology portfolio

Team Management & Development

• Recruit, hire, and develop world‑class research talent across diverse technical disciplines
• Provide technical mentorship, career development guidance, and performance management for team members
• Manage resource allocation for research initiatives and infrastructure
• Create a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, risk‑taking, and breakthrough thinking
• Build and maintain high‑performing, inclusive research teams that deliver exceptional results

Education & Experience

Education

• PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or related technical field
• 10+ years of post‑PhD research experience with a strong publication record in top‑tier venues as both main contributor and manager
• Previous leadership experience of managing research teams of 10+ members (typically 5+ years in leadership roles)
• Proven track record of successfully translating research innovations into real‑world products, deployments, or measurable business impact
• Experience with technology transfer and commercialization processes

Technical Expertise

• Deep expertise in relevant areas of AI/ML, including at least some of large language models, multi‑modal generative AI, speech and audio analysis, computer vision, mobile AI, or edge computing
• Strong understanding of current research trends, emerging technologies, and their potential applications
• Experience with large‑scale distributed systems, model optimization, and practical deployment challenges
• Knowledge of mobile and embedded systems constraints, particularly relevant to Samsung’s device ecosystem
• Familiarity with hardware‑software co‑design principles and on‑device AI optimization
• Experience with professional software development practices, and software project management in an industry setting.

Leadership & Communication Skills

• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities for both technical and executive audiences
• Extensive experience working with cross‑functional teams, including product management, engineering, and business development
• Strategic thinking capabilities with proven ability to set long‑term research vision and roadmaps
• Ability to influence and drive consensus across organizations without direct authority
• Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships across Samsung’s global research and business units

Skills and Qualifications

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