Senior AI Research Scientist - Cognitive Architectures

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior AI Research Scientist to design, develop, and implement advanced cognitive architectures for next‑gen AI systems. The role emphasizes deep learning, reinforcement learning, and NLP with collaboration across a multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or M.S. with 5+ years in AI R&D, strong Python/C++/Java skills, and demonstrable record of deploying complex AI models and publishing results.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in CS/AI or related field.
• 5+ years AI research and development experience.
• Experience designing cognitive architectures and deploying AI models.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel cognitive architectures and intelligent systems.
• Conduct advanced research in DL, RL, and NLP.
• Implement and evaluate AI models ensuring robustness and scalability.
• Collaborate with engineers and researchers to integrate AI solutions into products.
• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to team growth.
• Stay abreast of latest AI advancements.
• Contribute to strategic AI direction of the organization.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Research orientation

Communications

Mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in CS/AI

Master's in CS/AI

Tools

Python

C++

Java

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Keras

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in the field of artificial intelligence, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior AI Research Scientist to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This pivotal role will focus on the design, development, and implementation of advanced cognitive architectures for next-generation AI systems. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of machine learning, neural networks, and computational neuroscience, with a proven track record of contributing to significant AI research projects. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of AI, developing systems that exhibit human-like reasoning, learning, and problem-solving capabilities. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to impactful innovations within the vibrant Pietermaritzburg tech ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel cognitive architectures and intelligent systems.
• Conduct advanced research in areas such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing.
• Implement and evaluate AI models and algorithms, ensuring robustness and scalability.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and researchers to integrate AI solutions into products.
• Publish research findings in top-tier academic conferences and journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI and related fields.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of AI research within the organization.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in AI research and development, with a focus on cognitive architectures or similar complex systems.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java.
• Extensive experience with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, building, and deploying complex AI models.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, with the capacity to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• A passion for innovation and a drive to explore uncharted territories in AI research.
• Prior experience in a research-oriented role, preferably within an industrial R&D setting.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to the attractive remuneration, employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, generous paid time off, and a stimulating work environment that fosters innovation and professional development. Opportunities for continuous learning, conference attendance, and publication support are provided. The company also offers a provident fund contribution and various wellness programs to support employee well-being. Join a team where your contributions are valued, and you can make a significant impact on the future of artificial intelligence right here in Pietermaritzburg .