Senior AI Research Scientist - Computer Vision

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement plan options

Generous paid time off

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior AI Research Scientist specializing in Computer Vision to push the boundaries of object detection, image segmentation, and facial recognition. You will lead research initiatives, collaborate with engineers, and publish findings.

The role requires a PhD or MSc, 5+ years of CV experience, and strong Python and DL framework skills. You will mentor juniors, shape AI strategy, and contribute to production systems in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Computer Science, AI, ML or related field.
• 5+ years hands-on AI research with strong Computer Vision focus.
• Proficient in Python and DL frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch or Keras).

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives in advanced computer vision techniques.
• Develop and implement novel ML models for image/video analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate AI models into production.
• Conduct thorough experimentation, validation, and optimization.
• Stay updated on AI, DL, and CV research advancements.
• Publish findings in top conferences/journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers.
• Contribute to AI roadmap within the company.
• Analyze large datasets to extract insights and improvements.
• Present complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Python

Deep learning

Computer Vision

Experimental design

Research analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science / AI / ML

Master's degree

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Keras

OpenCV

NumPy

Scikit-learn

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the AI and Emerging Technologies sector, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior AI Research Scientist specializing in Computer Vision to join their dynamic team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and development in areas such as object detection, image segmentation, and facial recognition. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's AI-driven products and services, working within a collaborative and innovative environment. The position is based in the picturesque coastal town of Mossel Bay, providing a unique work-life balance. We are looking for an individual with a deep theoretical understanding of machine learning and a proven track record of applying these principles to solve complex real-world problems. This is an exciting chance to leverage cutting‑edge technology and make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives in advanced computer vision techniques.
• Develop and implement novel machine learning models for image and video analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate AI models into production systems.
• Conduct thorough experimentation, validation, and performance tuning of algorithms.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, deep learning, and computer vision research.
• Publish research findings in leading academic conferences and journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers, fostering a culture of learning and innovation.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for AI development within the company.
• Analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights and identify areas for improvement.
• Present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in AI research and development, with a strong focus on Computer Vision.
• Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Demonstrable experience with libraries like OpenCV, Scikit-learn, and NumPy.
• Strong understanding of classical computer vision algorithms and modern deep learning architectures (CNNs, RNNs, Transformers).
• Experience with data augmentation techniques and handling large‑scale image datasets.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Prior experience in a research‑oriented role is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health insurance, retirement plan options, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, conference attendance, and continuous learning are strongly encouraged.
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
• Join a forward-thinking company in a beautiful location.
• This role is based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape .