Lead AI Research Scientist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Research facilities and resources

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Generous vacation policy

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead AI Research Scientist in George to head advanced AI research initiatives. You will drive cutting-edge work in NLP, CV, and RL, develop novel models, and publish results while guiding a team of researchers and engineers.

The role combines theoretical investigation with practical product impact, collaborating with product teams to translate breakthroughs into commercially viable AI features. Strong leadership and a PhD are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of research experience in AI/ML with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing research projects and teams.
• Expertise in NLP, CV, RL, or related AI domains; proficient in ML frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with large-scale data processing.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to convey complex scientific concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct cutting-edge research in deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and reinforcement learning.
• Develop novel algorithms and architectures to advance AI state-of-the-art.
• Design and run experiments, analyze results, and publish findings in top conferences/journals.
• Collaborate with product teams to translate research into tangible AI solutions.
• Mentor junior researchers, providing technical leadership and fostering collaboration.
• Manage research timelines, resources, and deliverables aligned with strategy.

Skills

Leadership experience

Research experience

Python programming

Communication skills

Data processing

Education

PhD in Computer Science / AI / ML

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead AI Research Scientist to spearhead advanced research initiatives within their AI division, based in George . This critical role involves exploring novel AI techniques, developing proof-of-concepts, and driving the theoretical and practical application of emerging technologies. You will lead a team of talented researchers and engineers, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and discovery in the field of Artificial Intelligence . The ideal candidate is passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible and translating complex research into tangible solutions that will impact the future of technology in Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct cutting-edge research in areas such as deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning.
• Develop novel algorithms and architectures to address challenging AI problems and advance the state-of-the-art.
• Design and execute research experiments, analyze results, and publish findings in top-tier scientific conferences and journals.
• Collaborate with product teams to translate research breakthroughs into commercially viable AI solutions and features.
• Mentor and guide junior research scientists, providing technical leadership and fostering a collaborative research environment.
• Manage research project timelines, resources, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of research experience in AI/ML, with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing research projects and teams.
• Expertise in one or more core AI domains (NLP, CV, RL, etc.) and proficiency in ML frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with large-scale data processing.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead groundbreaking research in AI and emerging technologies .
• Access to state-of-the‑art research facilities and computational resources.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous vacation policy and retirement savings plan.