Senior AI Research Scientist - Deep Learning

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Health and wellness programs

Professional development opportunities

Generous paid time off

State-of-the-art research facilities

Collaborative work environment

Johannesburg office

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg invites applications for a Senior AI Research Scientist. You will lead research across NLP, CV, RL, and generative models, design and validate novel architectures, and collaborate with engineers and product managers to deploy breakthroughs.

A strong publication record and PhD/Master’s in a quantitative field are expected. This hybrid role blends remote flexibility with in-person collaboration at the Johannesburg office, promoting knowledge sharing, innovation, and a

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven track record of research and development in deep learning with publications in top AI conferences/journals.
• Strong programming skills in Python and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Experience with large-scale data processing and distributed computing environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience in leading research projects and mentoring team members is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives in NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and generative models.
• Design, implement, and validate novel deep learning architectures and algorithms.
• Collaborate with software engineers and product managers to translate research into applications.
• Stay updated with AI advances through conferences and papers.
• Mentor junior researchers and share knowledge within the AI team.
• Prepare technical documentation, research papers, and presentations.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies to enhance AI RD processes.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the AI roadmap.

Skills

Deep learning

Python programming

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Ph.D. or Master's in Computer Science/AI/ML

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Keras

Distributed computing environments

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the AI & Emerging Technologies sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior AI Research Scientist to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg. This role is pivotal in driving innovation and shaping the future of artificial intelligence. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, developing, and deploying cutting‑edge machine learning models and algorithms that address complex real‑world challenges. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on challenging projects, collaborate with world-class researchers, and make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving field of AI. We are looking for an individual with a strong academic background and practical experience in deep learning and related areas. This position offers a Hybrid work model, blending the benefits of remote flexibility with in-person collaboration in our Johannesburg office, fostering a strong team culture and facilitating spontaneous innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and generative models.


• Design, implement, and validate novel deep learning architectures and algorithms.


• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including software engineers and product managers, to translate research breakthroughs into practical applications.


• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI and machine learning through continuous learning and participation in conferences.


• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the knowledge sharing within the AI team.


• Prepare technical documentation, research papers, and presentations for internal and external audiences.


• Evaluate and integrate new technologies and tools to enhance the AI research and development process.


• Contribute to the strategic direction of our client's AI roadmap.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.


• Proven track record of research and development in deep learning, with publications in top‑tier AI conferences or journals.


• Strong programming skills in Python and proficiency with deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras.


• Experience with large‑scale data processing and distributed computing environments.


• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.


• Experience in leading research projects and mentoring team members is highly desirable.


• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and MLOps practices is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.


• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.


• Opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and further education.


• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.


• Access to state‑of-the‑art research facilities and computational resources.


• A collaborative and innovative work environment in Johannesburg.


• Contribute to impactful projects that are shaping the future of technology.