Lead AI Researcher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Research grants

Hybrid work arrangement

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Conference attendance opportunities

World-class computing resources

Time off and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, seeks a Lead AI Researcher to head a high-impact research team. You will define the AI agenda, guide project directions, and advance ML, DL, and AI theory.

This senior role blends in-office collaboration with remote work, and requires a strong publication record and drive for breakthroughs. You will lead efforts to publish novel algorithms, design rigorous experiments, and collaborate with engineering to deploy results.

Qualifications

• PhD in CS/AI/ML required.
• 7+ years of research experience with strong publications.
• Expertise in deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP, or computer vision.
• Proven track record leading research projects.
• Proficiency with Python and ML frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor AI researchers and set the research roadmap.
• Define the research direction and strategy for AI initiatives.
• Publish novel AI algorithms in top conferences/journals.
• Design and run rigorous experiments to validate findings.
• Collaborate with engineering to translate research into applications.
• Seek and secure research funding and grants.
• Represent the group at conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of AI research.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Hybrid collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

PhD in Computer Science / AI / ML

Tools

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge research institution, is seeking a visionary Lead AI Researcher to spearhead innovative projects in artificial intelligence in Centurion, Gauteng . This senior role involves guiding a team of researchers, defining research directions, and pushing the boundaries of AI knowledge. You will be instrumental in developing novel algorithms and methodologies in areas such as machine learning, deep learning, and AI theory. This is a hybrid role, combining collaborative in-office sessions with the flexibility of remote work. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong publication record and a passion for groundbreaking AI research.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of AI researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Define and drive the research agenda and roadmap for AI initiatives.
• Conduct high-impact research in areas like deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP, or computer vision.
• Develop and publish novel AI algorithms and techniques in top-tier academic venues.
• Design and execute rigorous experiments to validate research findings.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate research breakthroughs into practical applications.
• Seek and secure research funding and grants.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and trends in the global AI research community.
• Represent the research group at conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of AI research within the organization.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• Significant research experience (7+ years) with a strong publication record in leading AI conferences and journals.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more core AI areas (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP, computer vision).
• Proven experience in leading research projects and mentoring junior researchers.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python preferred) and ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid team setting.
• Experience with grant writing and proposal development is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and research grants.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement plan contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and conference attendance.
• Access to world-class research facilities and computing resources.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Paid time off and company holidays.