Principal AI Researcher - Computer Vision

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal AI Researcher specializing in Computer Vision to lead cutting-edge research from a fully remote location. The role demands a PhD with a strong CV focus and a proven track record in deep learning methods for vision tasks.

You will publish in premier conferences, mentor a distributed team of researchers, and translate discoveries into tangible AI systems while shaping the research strategy of the company.

Qualifications

• PhD with strong computer vision focus and a distinguished publication record.
• 10+ years of post-doctoral research in computer vision and related areas.
• Proven ability to lead research projects and mentor teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct advanced research in computer vision, including image recognition and video analysis.
• Develop novel algorithms and publish in top conferences and journals.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to prototype research innovations.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns in a remote, distributed setting.
• Shape the strategic direction of AI research within the company.

Skills

Python

Deep learning

CNNs

Transformers

GANs

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Distributed training

Research leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science / AI / Electrical Engineering

Tools

GPU clusters

HPC frameworks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the AI & Emerging Technologies industry, is seeking a visionary Principal AI Researcher specializing in Computer Vision for a fully remote position. This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead cutting-edge research, develop novel algorithms, and contribute significantly to the advancement of visual intelligence. You will be instrumental in defining research directions, pushing the boundaries of current capabilities, and translating groundbreaking discoveries into tangible applications. The ideal candidate possesses a stellar academic record, extensive research experience in computer vision, and a profound understanding of deep learning methodologies. You will work within a highly collaborative, globally distributed team of world-class researchers and engineers, tackling some of the most challenging problems in AI. This role is designed for an individual driven by scientific curiosity, a passion for innovation, and a desire to make a lasting impact in the field of artificial intelligence. Our client champions a remote-first culture that fosters intellectual freedom, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct advanced research in computer vision, including areas such as image recognition, object detection, scene understanding, video analysis, and generative models for vision.
• Develop novel algorithms and methodologies that significantly advance the state-of-the-art in computer vision.
• Design and execute experiments to validate research hypotheses and evaluate algorithm performance.
• Publish research findings in top-tier academic conferences and journals.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to prototype and integrate research innovations into practical AI systems.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns, providing guidance and fostering their professional development.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in computer vision, machine learning, and related fields.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of AI research within the company.
• Present research ideas and results to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Identify and explore new research opportunities with potential for significant impact.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field with a strong focus on Computer Vision.
• A minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral research experience in computer vision, with a distinguished publication record.
• Deep theoretical understanding and practical expertise in deep learning architectures (CNNs, Transformers, GANs, etc.) applied to vision tasks.
• Proven ability to lead research projects and mentor research teams.
• Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch.
• Experience with large-scale datasets and distributed training techniques.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex research concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively in a remote research environment.

Benefits

• An exceptionally competitive annual salary, up to ZAR, reflecting the seniority and impact of the role.
• Premium health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous vacation and paid time off policies.
• Substantial budget for professional development, including conferences, workshops, and research resources.
• Fully remote work arrangement with comprehensive support for a home office setup.
• Opportunity to work on highly impactful, cutting-edge AI research with global recognition.
• Retirement savings plan with generous employer contributions.
• Access to state-of-the-art research tools and high-performance computing resources.