Research Scientist – Generative & Applied Machine Learning

M-Kopa; Johannesburg; Remote; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Research Scientist focusing on Generative & Applied Machine Learning. In this fully remote role, you will leverage your machine learning expertise to develop models that have a real-world impact, driving financial inclusion and enhancing product performance. The position demands advanced knowledge in machine learning and offers opportunities to publish and collaborate with global experts.

Benefits

Flexible work schedule

Opportunities for professional development

Collaborative international team

Qualifications

• Experience or academic publication in generative modelling (VAEs, GANs, etc.).
• Strong publication record at conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR).
• Experience with deep learning and reinforcement learning.

Responsibilities

• Develop models influencing financial inclusion and address complex challenges.
• Prototype and test advanced machine learning models for practical solutions.
• Collaborate with teams for product performance and strategic decisions.

Skills

Advanced expertise in machine learning

Mathematics

Statistics

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Advanced degree in a relevant field

Job description

Research Scientist – Generative & Applied Machine LearningM-KOPA Johannesburg, Gauteng, South AfricaJoin or sign in to find your next jobJoin to apply for the Research Scientist – Generative & Applied Machine Learning role at M-KOPAResearch Scientist – Generative & Applied Machine LearningM-KOPA Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Research Scientist – Generative & Applied Machine Learning role at M-KOPAWe are looking for a Research Scientist – Generative & Applied Machine Learning to join our Data Science Team as we scale up and drive digital and financial inclusion across our markets.Join M-KOPA's central Data Science team in a fully remote role that bridges cutting-edge machine learning research with tangible social impact.

You'll develop sophisticated models that drive financial inclusion while solving complex business challenges for a company that has already improved the lives of over 23 million people worldwide.Why This Role Is Career-DefiningImagine applying your research expertise where algorithmic innovations translate directly into life-changing opportunities.

With M-KOPA, you'll : Conduct research that immediately influences products and services used by millions, creating measurable social and economic benefitsTackle sophisticated machine learning challenges that push both theoretical boundaries and business performanceEnjoy the freedom to explore novel methods while collaborating internationally with colleagues from Europe and the UK to Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and GhanaPublish influential research papers, attend leading conferences, and collaborate with prestigious academic institutionsJoin a carbon-negative organization that has already displaced over 2 million tonnes of emissions while driving digital and financial inclusionThis isn't just another research position—it's your opportunity to harmonize scientific excellence with profound humanitarian impact in an organization where your intellectual curiosity leads to meaningful change.Must-Have Qualifications : Advanced expertise in machine learning, mathematics, statistics, and theoretical computer science.Experience or academic publication in generative modelling (e.g., VAEs, GANs, diffusion models, or related methods).Strong publication record in prestigious conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR)Proven ability to translate academic research into practical, impactful algorithmsExperience with deep learning, reinforcement learning, or other specialized machine learning domainsExceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilitiesYour Day-to-Day ImpactYou'll prototype, test, and iterate advanced models, integrating state-of-the-art academic insights into practical solutions.

Your research will directly influence strategic decisions, optimize product performance, and shape the future direction of M-KOPA's offerings.Working remotely within the UTC-1 to UTC time zone, you'll collaborate with talented colleagues in Product, Engineering, Operations, and Strategy.

Your solutions won't just address immediate business problems—they'll establish M-KOPA as a thought leader in applying sophisticated machine learning to real-world challenges.For the intellectually curious scientist driven by both scientific excellence and meaningful impact, this role offers the perfect balance of theoretical exploration and practical application.

You'll work in an environment that values your academic rigor while providing the satisfaction of seeing your research transform lives.Ready to conduct research that matters?

Join M-KOPA and apply your machine learning expertise to change lives.This is a fully remote role, you would be working within the following time zone (UTC -1 / UTC) with a diverse group of other employees working remotely from locations such as UK, Europe and Africa.

You will be reporting to the Head of Data Science.Why M-KOPA?At M-KOPA, we empower our people to own their careers through diverse development programs, coaching partnerships, and on-the-job training.

We support individual journeys with family-friendly policies, prioritize well-being, and embrace flexibility.Join us in shaping the future of M-KOPA as we grow together.

Explore more at .Recognized thrice by the Financial Times as one Africa's fastest growing companies (, , and ) and by TIME Most influential companies in the world and , we've served over 5 million customers, unlocking $1.5 billion in cumulative credit for the unbanked across Africa.Important NoticeM-KOPA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained staff.

Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.M-KOPA explicitly prohibits the use of Forced or Child Labour and respects the rights of its employees to agree to terms and conditions of employment voluntarily, without coercion, and freely terminate their employment on appropriate notice.

M-KOPA shall ensure that its Employees are of legal working age and shall comply with local laws for youth employment or student work, such as internships or apprenticeships.M-KOPA does not collect / charge any money as a pre-employment or post-employment requirement.

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Research Scientist • Johannesburg, Gauteng