Remote AI Research Scientist

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Conference & workshop budget

Health coverage

Stock options

Home office stipend

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote AI Research Scientist to contribute to groundbreaking AI advancements from anywhere in South Africa. You will lead independent research, design novel algorithms, and develop prototypes in a remote-first culture.

The role requires a PhD, strong publication record, and expertise across core AI areas with Python and ML libraries. You will collaborate with a distributed team, publish in top venues, and mentor junior researchers.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, AI, ML or closely related field with strong publication record.
• Proven experience conducting independent AI research and impactful contributions.
• Expertise in deep learning, NLP, or computer vision.
• Proficiency in Python and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Experience with large-scale data processing and distributed computing.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; strong communication.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting with collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in deep learning, RL, CV, NLP, or generative models.
• Design novel AI algorithms and rigorously test performance and efficiency.
• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals.
• Collaborate with a global team of researchers and engineers.
• Develop proof-of-concept implementations and prototypes.
• Stay current with academic and industry AI trends.

Skills

PhD in CS/AI

Independent AI research

Core AI research areas

Python (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Distributed computing

Analytical thinking

Technical communication

Remote work readiness

Education

PhD in CS/AI

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

AWS / Azure / GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a pioneering Remote AI Research Scientist to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in exploring novel AI algorithms, conducting rigorous research, and developing prototypes that push the boundaries of what's possible. This role requires a deep theoretical understanding of AI and machine learning, coupled with practical experience in implementing and validating research hypotheses. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, highly motivated, and passionate about discovery and innovation in the AI & Emerging Technologies domain. You will join a dedicated, globally distributed team focused on solving some of the most challenging problems in AI, operating in a remote-first culture that emphasizes collaboration, autonomy, and impact. Your research findings will directly influence the future direction of AI products and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in areas such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, NLP, or generative models.
• Design and implement novel AI algorithms and models, rigorously testing their performance and efficiency.
• Publish research findings in top-tier academic conferences and journals.
• Collaborate virtually with a diverse team of researchers and engineers to advance research projects.
• Develop proof-of-concept implementations and prototypes to demonstrate research ideas.
• Stay current with the latest academic research and industry trends in AI and related fields.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio of the company through patents and publications.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns, fostering a strong research culture.
• Effectively communicate research progress and outcomes to technical and non-technical audiences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or a closely related field with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting independent AI research, resulting in significant contributions.
• Expertise in one or more core AI research areas (e.g., deep learning, NLP, computer vision).
• Proficiency in Python and common AI/ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Experience with large-scale data processing and distributed computing.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage research projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and collaboration.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.
• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Generous budget for professional development, including attending conferences and workshops globally.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Stock options or equity participation.
• Access to cutting-edge research tools and high-performance computing resources.
• Opportunity to work on intellectually stimulating and impactful projects.
• Collaborative and supportive remote team environment.
• Generous annual leave and personal time off.
• Home office stipend to create an optimal remote workspace.