AI Research Scientist - Reinforcement Learning

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance bonuses

Hybrid work model

Conference funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly motivated AI Research Scientist with a specialization in Reinforcement Learning to join our client’s team in Midrand, Gauteng. The role supports a hybrid work arrangement and collaboration with robotics and autonomous systems projects.

You will conduct fundamental and applied RL research, design experiments, publish findings, and mentor junior researchers while translating theoretical breakthroughs into practical AI products.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field, with a specialization in Reinforcement Learning.
• Strong theoretical understanding and practical experience in Reinforcement Learning algorithms and techniques.
• Publications in reputable AI/ML conferences and journals.
• Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX.
• Experience with simulation environments and robotics platforms is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental and applied research in Reinforcement Learning, including deep RL, multi-agent RL, and safe RL.
• Develop novel RL algorithms and frameworks to solve challenging problems.
• Design and implement experiments to evaluate and benchmark RL algorithms.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate research findings into AI products and systems.
• Publish research results in top-tier academic journals and conferences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in RL, ML, and related fields.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the team's knowledge base.
• Develop high-quality, well-documented code for research and prototypes.
• Explore new application areas for reinforcement learning.

Skills

Reinforcement Learning

Research experience

Collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD or Master's in CS/AI/ML - RL specialization

Tools

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

JAX

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in AI and emerging technologies, is actively seeking a highly motivated AI Research Scientist with expertise in Reinforcement Learning (RL) to join their innovative team. This role is at the forefront of developing advanced AI algorithms that learn through interaction and feedback, with applications in robotics, autonomous systems, and complex decision-making processes. You will contribute to cutting-edge research and translate theoretical breakthroughs into practical solutions. This position is based in Midrand, Gauteng, ZA and offers a hybrid work arrangement, promoting a balance of collaborative team interaction and focused independent work.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental and applied research in Reinforcement Learning, including areas such as deep RL, multi-agent RL, and safe RL.
• Develop novel RL algorithms and frameworks to solve challenging problems.
• Design and implement experiments to evaluate and benchmark RL algorithms.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate research findings into AI products and systems.
• Publish research results in top-tier academic journals and conferences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in RL, machine learning, and related fields.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the team's overall knowledge base.
• Develop high-quality, well-documented code for research and prototypes.
• Explore new application areas for reinforcement learning.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field, with a specialization in Reinforcement Learning.
• Strong theoretical understanding and proven practical experience in Reinforcement Learning algorithms and techniques.
• Demonstrated research output through publications in reputable AI/ML conferences and journals.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python and deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX.
• Experience with simulation environments and robotics platforms is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate complex research ideas effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Benefits

• highly competitive salary
• performance bonuses
• health, dental, and vision insurance
• retirement savings plans
• hybrid work model
• funding for conferences, workshops, and continuous learning

Join a world-class team dedicated to advancing the frontiers of AI and shaping the future of intelligent systems.