Staff Research Scientist

Visa; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 169,000 - 271,000; Full time

Job summary

Visa is seeking a research-focused professional to lead Generative AI initiatives and long-term GenAI research in large-scale ML. You’ll develop prototypes and collaborate with engineers, product teams, and government partners to impact payments technology globally.

Applicants should have a PhD with strong publications and experience in generative models. The role requires 3+ days in office, travel 5-10%, and potential equity/bonus where applicable.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Operations Research, Statistics, or highly quantitative field with strength in Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Statistical or other mathematical analysis
• Extensive experience in machine learning, deep learning, and generative models
• Strong publication record in top-tier conferences and journals

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in Generative AI, with focus areas including agentic coding, agentic commerce, AI agents, large language models, reasoning, planning, and retrieval-augmented generation.
• Design and explore innovative AI model architectures, algorithms, and agentic workflows to improve reasoning, autonomy, reliability, efficiency, and task performance.
• Develop prototypes and proof-of-concepts that translate research ideas into practical AI capabilities for developer productivity, commerce experiences, and intelligent workflow automation.
• Review academic literature and emerging industry work to identify relevant methods, tools, benchmarks, and research opportunities in GenAI and agentic systems.
• Collaborate with senior researchers, engineers, and product teams to advance research projects from early exploration toward scalable product or platform opportunities.
• Contribute to technical documentation, research reports, publications, and patents, clearly communicating methods, results, limitations, and recommendations.

Skills

Python

Deep learning

Generative AI

Research collaboration

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Operations Research, Statistics, or highly quantitative field

Job description

About Us

Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

About Us

Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.
At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale — tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world.
Join Visa and do work that matters – to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you.

Job Description

Initiates the design, development, execution, and implementation of technology research projects. Plans and executes research on Generative AI and long-term research agenda in large-scale Gen AI and machine learning. Delivers innovative technologies. Participates in development and integration of Gen AI infrastructure. Collaborates with industry and government on key initiatives to advance Gen AI research agenda. May participate in development of patent applications.
All roles require digital fluency, including the ability to work with emerging technologies such as Generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) to support everyday work.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research in Generative AI, with focus areas including agentic coding, agentic commerce, AI agents, large language models, reasoning, planning, and retrieval-augmented generation.
• Design and explore innovative AI model architectures, algorithms, and agentic workflows to improve reasoning, autonomy, reliability, efficiency, and task performance.
• Develop prototypes and proof-of-concepts that translate research ideas into practical AI capabilities for developer productivity, commerce experiences, and intelligent workflow automation.
• Review academic literature and emerging industry work to identify relevant methods, tools, benchmarks, and research opportunities in GenAI and agentic systems.
• Collaborate with senior researchers, engineers, and product teams to advance research projects from early exploration toward scalable product or platform opportunities.
• Contribute to technical documentation, research reports, publications, and patents, clearly communicating methods, results, limitations, and recommendations.
  

Visa requires at least 3 days in office, expectations of these days will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Operations Research, Statistics, or highly quantitative field with strength in Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Statistical or other mathematical analysis
• Extensive experience in machine learning, deep learning, and generative models
• Strong publication record in top-tier conferences and journals

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and expertise in deep learning frameworks and large language models
• Experience in Generative AI or Agentic AI
• Proven track record of leading research projects and delivering innovative solutions
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team
• Experience in payments or related industry is a plus.

Information for US Applicants

For roles located in the US, the estimated salary range for this position is $169,100.00 to $ 270,800.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity.Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.

Work Hours

Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements

This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protect veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.