AI Research & Data Intelligence Engineer

LA International; United States; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

LA International is seeking an AI Research & Data Intelligence Engineer for a 12‑month contract with extensions. The role involves exploring retrieval methods, RAG architectures, and LLM reasoning, with strong data analysis using SQL across GCP, BigQuery, and Teradata.

Strong Python prototyping will translate research into prototypes for enterprise use. The position is hybrid, with 2 days onsite per week in Bristol.

Qualifications

• Retrieval methods, search strategies, and RAG patterns for enterprise use cases.
• LLM architectures, reasoning techniques, and agentic systems; evaluation with statistics.
• SQL/data analysis on GCP, BigQuery, Teradata or equivalent.
• Research methodologies, literature reviews, and hypothesis-driven experimentation.
• Python for AI prototyping and rapid experimentation.
• Ability to interpret academic and industry research into practical prototypes.

Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate retrieval methods, search strategies, and RAG architecture patterns for enterprise use cases.
• Design and prototype LLM-based reasoning workflows and agentic systems.
• Define evaluation frameworks, benchmarks, experiments, and measurable success criteria for AI solutions.
• Conduct hypothesis-driven experimentation and apply statistical methods to interpret results.
• Perform advanced SQL-based data exploration across GCP, BigQuery, Teradata, or equivalents.
• Build Python-based AI prototypes and translate research into demonstrable solutions.
• Review literature to identify methods and patterns relevant to the project.
• Collaborate with data, architecture, product, and engineering teams to shape scalable AI and data solutions.
• Document research findings, design decisions, evaluation results, risks and recommendations.
• Support development of conversational analytics and Dialogue with Data capabilities.

Skills

Retrieval methods

LLM architectures

Evaluation frameworks

SQL data analysis

Research methodology

Python prototyping

Literature review

Analytical thinking

Job description

AI Research & Data Intelligence Engineer

12 Month contract initially + Extensions

Based: Hybrid - 2 day p/w onsite in Bristol

Rate: £450 - £550 p/d - (via Umbrella company)

We have a great opportunity with a world leading organisation where you will be provided with all of the support and development to succeed. A progressive organisation where you can really make a difference. We have a great opportunity for an AI Research & Data Intelligence Engineer join the team.

• Strong experience with retrieval methods, search strategies, and RAG architectures.
• Good understanding of LLM architectures, reasoning techniques, and agentic systems.
• Experience with evaluation frameworks, experimentation, and statistical methods.
• Strong hands‑on SQL and data analysis skills using GCP, BigQuery, Teradata, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience applying research methodologies, conducting literature reviews, and using hypothesis-driven experimentation.
• Strong Python skills for AI prototyping, rapid experimentation, and proof‑of‑concept development.
• Ability to consume, interpret, and apply relevant academic and industry research.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, documentation, and stakeholder communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate retrieval methods, search strategies, and RAG architecture patterns for enterprise use cases.
• Design and prototype LLM‑based reasoning workflows and agentic systems.
• Define evaluation frameworks, benchmarks, experiments, and measurable success criteria for AI solutions.
• Conduct hypothesis‑driven experimentation and apply statistical methods to interpret results.
• Perform advanced SQL‑based data exploration and analysis across GCP, BigQuery, Teradata, or equivalent platforms.
• Build Python‑based AI prototypes and translate research concepts into demonstrable solutions.
• Review academic and industry literature to identify relevant methods, patterns, and emerging capabilities.
• Collaborate with data, architecture, product, and engineering teams to shape scalable AI and data solutions.
• Document research findings, design decisions, evaluation results, risks, and recommendations.
• Support the development of conversational analytics and Dialogue with Data capabilities.

Key Skills/knowledge/experience:

• Retrieval methods, search strategies, and RAG architectures.
• LLM architectures, reasoning techniques, and agentic systems.
• Evaluation frameworks, experimentation, and statistical methods.
• Strong hands‑on SQL and data analysis skills using GCP, BigQuery, Teradata, or equivalent technologies.
• Research methodology, literature review, and hypothesis‑driven experimentation; comfortable consuming research.
• Python programming and AI prototyping skills.
• Ability to convert research insights into practical prototypes, experiments, and recommendations.
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across AI, data, architecture, and product teams.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts.
• Awareness of responsible AI, model limitations, evaluation risks, and enterprise governance considerations.
• Experience working in complex enterprise data environments.

Desirable skills/knowledge/experience: At least some exposure to the following is expected:

• Semantic layers and metrics modelling; ontologies and knowledge representation; knowledge graphs and graph‑based reasoning concepts.
• Taxonomy and metadata design; NL2SQL, Text‑to‑SQL, broader NL2* methods, conversational analytics and Dialogue with Data (DwD) approaches; LBG data architecture and data product concepts.

This is an excellent opportunity on a great project of work.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and we encourage candidates who may not meet every listed requirement to still apply. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.