Lead AI Research Scientist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead AI Research Scientist in Cape Town to spearhead research initiatives and drive innovation. You will lead a team through ideation to prototype implementation, shaping novel algorithms and groundbreaking AI applications.

You will mentor researchers, publish findings, and collaborate with engineers to turn breakthroughs into practical platform features, contributing to global AI advancements from South Africa.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, AI, ML or related field.
• 10+ years of AI research experience with impactful publications.
• Proven leadership of research teams and complex R&D projects.
• Expertise in computer vision, NLP, or robotics.
• Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of AI researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Design and execute research projects focused on advancing state-of-the-art in deep learning, reinforcement learning, and generative AI.
• Publish research findings in top-tier journals and present at international conferences.
• Develop and prototype new AI algorithms, models, and systems, evaluating performance.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate research breakthroughs into product features.
• Stay abreast of latest academic research and industry trends in AI and ML.

Skills

Team leadership

Research methodology

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in CS/AI/ML

Tools

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Lead AI Research Scientist to spearhead their research initiatives in Cape Town . This senior position is crucial for driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence, focusing on developing novel algorithms and groundbreaking AI applications. You will lead a team of talented researchers, guiding them through the entire research lifecycle from ideation to prototype implementation. This role offers the chance to work on high-impact projects that could redefine industries and contribute significantly to the global AI landscape, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and technical excellence within a leading technology firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of AI researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Design and execute research projects focused on advancing the state-of-the-art in areas like deep learning , reinforcement learning, and generative AI.
• Publish research findings in top-tier scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Develop and prototype new AI algorithms, models, and systems, rigorously evaluating their performance and potential.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate research breakthroughs into practical product features and services.
• Stay abreast of the latest academic research and industry trends in AI and machine learning.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in AI research, with a proven track record of impactful publications.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research teams and managing complex R&D projects.
• Expertise in one or more specialized areas of AI, such as computer vision , NLP, or robotics.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, and familiarity with ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Access to world-class research facilities and computational resources.
• Generous opportunities for professional growth and travel to conferences.
• An intellectually stimulating work environment with groundbreaking projects.