Founding AI Lead: Prototyping & Client-Facing AI

Populix; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Populix is expanding to Singapore and seeking a founder-level technical lead to build and ship human simulation prototypes. You will work hands-on with clients, shape the playbook, and eventually scale by hiring and leading a Singapore team. The role combines research depth with client delivery in a startup environment.

You will be responsible for end-to-end technical delivery, rapid prototyping, and evolving the platform to support enterprise needs in Singapore.

Qualifications

• Deep learning, LLMs, and related research depth required.
• Ability to reason about model failures, not just parameter tuning.
• Experience applying ML research to real client scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end technical build of human simulation solutions.
• Rapidly prototype and iterate modeling approaches.
• Collaborate with enterprise clients to scope use cases and deploy solutions.
• Advance research on behavioral fidelity, bias, and evaluation methods.
• Partner with AI/Model team to align client work with the platform.
• After validation, hire and lead a Singapore-based team.

Skills

LLM/ML expertise

Prototype development

Client-facing

Communication skills

Research background

PhD or equivalent

Startup mindset

Founder's mindset

Education

PhD in ML/NLP/CS/Cognitive Science

Job description

Populix is expanding to Singapore and seeking a founder-level technical lead to build and ship human simulation prototypes. You will work hands-on with clients, shape the playbook, and eventually scale by hiring and leading a Singapore team. The role combines research depth with client delivery in a startup environment.

You will be responsible for end-to-end technical delivery, rapid prototyping, and evolving the platform to support enterprise needs in Singapore.