Remote Principal AI Research Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Performance bonuses

Remote work

Health coverage

Conference budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal AI Research Scientist to lead pioneering AI research from anywhere in South Africa. You will set the research agenda, define novel algorithms, and drive high-impact projects across deep learning, RL, CV and NLP.

Your role includes mentoring a team of researchers and engineers, collaborating with product and engineering to translate breakthroughs into practical solutions, and shaping the future of intelligent technologies in a dynamic, research-driven

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or related field.
• 10+ years of extensive AI research experience with leadership and publications.
• Expertise in core AI sub-fields (deep learning, generative models, RL).
• Strong mathematical, statistical, and algorithmic foundations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute cutting-edge AI research projects across DL, RL, CV, and NLP.
• Develop novel AI methodologies and algorithms for fundamental challenges.
• Publish in top-tier venues and present findings globally.
• Mentor and guide a team of AI researchers and engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Deep learning

Research

Mentorship

Education

Ph.D. in CS/AI/ML

Tools

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

ML libraries

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal AI Research Scientist to lead pioneering AI research from anywhere in South Africa. You will set the research agenda, define novel algorithms, and drive high-impact projects across deep learning, RL, CV and NLP.

Your role includes mentoring a team of researchers and engineers, collaborating with product and engineering to translate breakthroughs into practical solutions, and shaping the future of intelligent technologies in a dynamic, research-driven