Principal Research Scientist - AI & Machine Learning

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,985,000 - 4,311,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading compensation

Fully remote work

Health and well-being benefits

Learning and conference budget

Equity opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Scientist in AI & Machine Learning to lead groundbreaking R&D and shape the company’s AI roadmap in a remote-first, globally distributed setting. You will architect and deploy advanced AI systems, mentor a team of researchers, collaborate with product and engineering, publish pivotal work, and drive innovations that power scalable, AI-enabled products.

A PhD and 10+ years of experience, deep expertise in DL/RL/NLP/CV, and proficiency in Python and

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, AI, ML, or related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of AI/ML R&D experience with impactful contributions.
• Proven remote leadership of research teams and complex projects.
• Expertise in deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP, or computer vision.
• Proficiency in Python and major ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of distributed computing, cloud platforms, and MLOps.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of novel AI/ML algorithms and models.
• Define the technical roadmap for AI initiatives.
• Mentor and guide a team of AI/ML researchers and engineers.
• Oversee design, implementation, and deployment of complex AI systems and platforms.
• Collaborate with product and engineering to integrate AI solutions into scalable products.
• Stay abreast of AI advancements and publish influential research.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Remote collaboration

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Computer Science / AI / ML

Tools

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Distributed computing

Cloud platforms

MLOps

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an exceptional Principal Research Scientist in AI & Machine Learning to lead groundbreaking research and development efforts. This is a premier, fully remote opportunity for a visionary leader to drive innovation at the forefront of artificial intelligence. You will architect and implement advanced AI/ML solutions, guide a team of world-class researchers, and influence the strategic direction of the company's technological advancements. This role demands deep expertise, strategic foresight, and a passion for solving the most challenging problems using cutting-edge AI techniques in a remote-first and collaborative global setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel AI and Machine Learning algorithms and models.
• Define the technical roadmap for AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Mentor and guide a team of AI/ML researchers and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific rigor.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and deployment of complex AI systems and platforms.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to integrate AI solutions into scalable products.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI/ML, identifying opportunities for strategic adoption and research.
• Publish influential research papers and represent the company at leading AI conferences.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in AI/ML research and development, with a proven track record of impactful contributions.
• Demonstrated experience leading research teams and managing complex AI projects, ideally in a remote capacity.
• Deep expertise in areas such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, or computer vision.
• Proficiency in Python and major ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of distributed computing, cloud platforms, and MLOps.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.

Benefits

• Industry-leading compensation package, including significant bonuses and equity.
• Fully remote work arrangement with comprehensive benefits and home office support.
• Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Substantial budget for continuous learning, conference attendance, and research sabbaticals.
• Opportunity to define the future of AI within a highly innovative and impactful organization.