AI Research Engineer - Reinforcement Learning

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an AI Research Engineer specializing in Reinforcement Learning to join its Kimberley-based research team. You will design, implement, and evaluate novel RL approaches, collaborating with engineers to advance RL capabilities on real-world problems.

The role requires a strong RL background, publications, and excellent programming in Python with TensorFlow or PyTorch. You will contribute to cutting-edge projects in a collaborative environment with access to advanced computing

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in CS/AI/ML with strong RL focus
• Proven RL research with publications
• Deep understanding of RL algorithms (Q-learning, Policy Gradients, Actor-Critic)
• Strong Python and DL framework skills (TF/PyTorch)
• Experience with RL libraries/simulators (OpenAI Gym, Stable Baselines)
• Proficiency with Git and software dev practices
• Excellent analytical and communication skills
• Experience in research environments and teamwork

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge RL research exploring new algorithms
• Design, implement, and test RL agents and environments
• Apply RL to robotics, optimization and game playing
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to advance RL capabilities
• Analyze results, document findings, communicate outcomes
• Develop and maintain production-ready RL code
• Stay updated on RL/ML/AI research
• Contribute to publications and top conferences
• Evaluate and benchmark RL algorithms
• Mentor junior researchers and interns

Skills

Reinforcement Learning

Publications

Python

Deep Learning

Communication

Education

PhD or MSc in CS/AI/ML

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

OpenAI Gym

Stable Baselines

Git

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the AI & Emerging Technologies landscape, is seeking a talented and curious AI Research Engineer with expertise in Reinforcement Learning (RL) to join their advanced research team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role is focused on pushing the boundaries of RL algorithms and applying them to solve complex, real-world problems. You will be involved in designing, implementing, and evaluating novel RL approaches, contributing to groundbreaking research and development. This is an exceptional opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment, leverage state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and make significant contributions to the field of AI. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding of RL and practical experience in its application, coupled with strong programming skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in Reinforcement Learning, exploring new algorithms and techniques.
• Design, implement, and test novel RL agents and environments.
• Apply RL methods to solve challenging problems in areas such as robotics, optimization, and game playing.
• Collaborate with a team of researchers and engineers to advance RL capabilities.
• Analyze experimental results, document findings, and communicate research outcomes.
• Develop and maintain high-quality, production-ready code for RL experiments.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in RL, machine learning, and artificial intelligence research.
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations at top-tier conferences.
• Evaluate and benchmark the performance of RL algorithms and models.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns in the field of Reinforcement Learning.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field with a strong focus on Reinforcement Learning.
• Proven track record of research and publications in Reinforcement Learning or related areas.
• Deep understanding of RL algorithms, including Q-learning, Policy Gradients, Actor-Critic methods, etc.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with RL libraries and simulators (e.g., OpenAI Gym, Stable Baselines).
• Proficiency in software development practices, including version control (Git).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts.
• Experience working in a research environment and contributing to team projects.
• Familiarity with simulation environments and distributed computing is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and an extensive benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans. We provide a stimulating research environment in Kimberley, Northern Cape, with access to advanced computing resources and research facilities. Opportunities for professional development, including attending leading AI conferences, are actively supported. We foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Join a team that is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of Artificial Intelligence and making a lasting impact.