Lead AI Research Scientist

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Conference funding

Advanced training

Top computing resources

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead AI Research Scientist to drive advanced AI initiatives from concept to deployment in a remote-first setup across South Africa. You will lead R&D in deep learning, NLP, and computer vision, shaping research strategy and product direction with a strong emphasis on publication and IP creation.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with 7+ years in AI research, excels in Python and ML frameworks, and thrives in cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-impact AI solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, ML, or related field.
• Demonstrated leadership in AI research projects.
• Strong programming skills in Python and ML frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of novel AI models and algorithms in DL/ML.
• Define research roadmaps and technical direction for AI projects.
• Mentor a team of AI researchers and engineers.
• Collaborate with product teams to translate research into features.
• Publish findings in top conferences/journals and present to stakeholders.
• Contribute to IP through patents/publications.

Skills

Leadership

Python

NLP

Computer Vision

Reinforcement learning

Statistical modeling

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science/AI

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a talented and visionary Lead AI Research Scientist to spearhead their advanced artificial intelligence initiatives. This is a remote-first position, allowing you to contribute from any location within South Africa while collaborating with a world-class team. You will be at the forefront of developing next-generation AI algorithms, focusing on deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. This role demands a strategic thinker with a proven ability to lead research projects from conception to implementation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background, extensive research experience, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of AI. Your work will directly influence the future direction of our client's AI strategy and product development. We are committed to fostering an environment where innovation thrives, and you will have the opportunity to publish your work and engage with the broader AI research community. This position requires a high degree of autonomy and a commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel AI models and algorithms, particularly in areas of deep learning, machine learning, and related fields.
• Define research roadmaps, set technical direction, and manage AI research projects to successful completion.
• Mentor and guide a team of AI researchers and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with product teams to translate research breakthroughs into practical AI-powered features and solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI and machine learning literature, conferences, and industry trends.
• Design and conduct experiments to validate AI models, analyze performance, and identify areas for improvement.
• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals, and present work to stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of the company's intellectual property through patents and publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in AI research and development, with a significant portion in leadership roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and experience with large-scale datasets.
• Strong theoretical foundation in machine learning, statistical modeling, and algorithms.
• Proven track record of leading successful research projects and delivering impactful AI solutions.
• Excellent programming skills in Python or other relevant languages.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts effectively.
• Experience in areas like NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning, or AI ethics is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and the flexibility of a remote work arrangement.
• We provide generous opportunities for professional growth, including funding for conferences, workshops, and advanced training.
• Employees have access to state-of-the‑art computing resources and the chance to work on challenging, impactful AI research projects.
• We foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment that values innovation and encourages work‑life balance.
• Join a team that is shaping the future of artificial intelligence.