Remote Principal Research Scientist - AI & Machine Learning

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first organization

Excellent health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Online courses & virtual conferences

Global collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Scientist for a remote-first position. You will lead cutting-edge AI/ML research, develop novel algorithms, and steer large-scale experiments from home. The role requires developing scalable systems and mentoring a world-class team of scientists.

You will publish in top venues, collaborate across disciplines, and help shape a strategic AI roadmap while working flexibly in a distributed environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, AI, ML or related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of progressive AI/ML research with strong publication record.
• Proven experience leading research initiatives and mentoring teams.
• Expertise in at least two major AI/ML areas (e.g., DL, NLP, CV).
• Proficiency in Python and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with large-scale data processing and distributed computing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for remote work.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage projects remotely.
• Experience in a research-intensive industry role is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact AI/ML research in deep learning, NLP, and computer vision.
• Develop novel algorithms, models, and frameworks for complex challenges.
• Design scalable ML systems for research and production.
• Collaborate to define research roadmaps and objectives.
• Publish findings in top conferences and journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and grow the team’s expertise.
• Evaluate emerging AI/ML technologies and methods.
• Contribute to IP generation and patent applications.
• Ensure reproducibility and robustness of results.
• Participate in virtual meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Skills

Research leadership

Publication track record

AI/ML expertise

Python programming

TensorFlow/PyTorch

Distributed computing

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Computer Science / AI / ML

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Python

HPC / distributed computing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in scientific research and development, is pioneering advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. We are seeking a highly innovative and experienced Principal Research Scientist to join our fully remote team. This role demands a visionary individual capable of driving cutting-edge research in AI/ML, developing novel algorithms, and contributing to transformative technological solutions. You will work on complex, challenging problems, collaborating with a diverse, world-class team of scientists and engineers from the comfort of your own home office. This is a remote-first position, emphasizing asynchronous collaboration and flexible working arrangements to attract the best talent globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct high-impact research in AI and Machine Learning, focusing on areas such as deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
• Develop novel algorithms, models, and frameworks to solve complex scientific and technical challenges.
• Design and implement scalable ML systems for research and production environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define research roadmaps and project objectives.
• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the overall scientific growth of the team.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging AI/ML technologies and methodologies.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and patent applications.
• Ensure the reproducibility and robustness of research outcomes.
• Actively participate in virtual team meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of progressive research experience in AI/ML, with a strong publication record.
• Proven experience in leading research initiatives and mentoring teams.
• Expertise in at least two major areas of AI/ML (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP, computer vision).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with large-scale data processing and distributed computing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage projects in a remote setting.
• Experience in a research-intensive industry role is highly desirable.

Benefits

As a remote-first organization, our client offers unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. This position comes with a highly competitive salary, excellent health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. We invest heavily in our employees' growth, providing access to online courses, virtual conferences, and opportunities for continuous learning. Our client fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect, regardless of physical location. You will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that shape the future of AI and machine learning on a global scale, all from the convenience of your chosen remote workspace.