Senior AI Research Scientist - Generative Models

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Cutting-edge computing resources

Inclusive work environment

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior AI Research Scientist in Pietermaritzburg to advance generative AI research, develop models for language, image, and audio, and drive real-world AI applications. You will publish and mentor, shaping the organization's AI strategy.

The role emphasizes collaboration with engineers and product managers, staying current with AI developments, and leveraging cutting-edge computing resources. Relocation support may be available.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in CS/AI/ML or a related quantitative field.
• Proven track record in generative models with publications or project contributions.
• Strong Python programming with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX.
• Solid ML theory, statistics, and algorithm design.
• Experience with Spark or Dask for large-scale data processing.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research novel AI architectures, focusing on transformers, GANs, VAEs, and diffusion models.
• Develop, train, and evaluate generative models for text, image, and audio.
• Design experiments to test hypotheses and validate model performance.
• Collaborate with software engineers and product managers to integrate models into production.
• Publish research findings in top AI conferences and journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and foster a strong AI research culture.
• Stay current with AI advances via continuous learning and community involvement.
• Contribute to internal tools and libraries to streamline AI development.

Skills

Python

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

PhD or Master’s in Computer Science / AI / ML

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

JAX

Spark

Dask

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in artificial intelligence and machine learning, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior AI Research Scientist to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This role focuses on the cutting edge of generative model development, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in areas such as natural language generation, image synthesis, and complex data simulation. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of AI products and services, working within a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and scientific rigor. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and see your work translated into tangible, impactful applications that address real-world challenges. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of theoretical AI concepts and practical experience in implementing and deploying advanced machine learning models. You will be expected to stay abreast of the latest academic research and industry trends, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the team. Your work will directly influence the strategic direction of AI initiatives within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research into novel AI architectures, particularly focusing on transformer models, GANs, VAEs, and diffusion models.
• Develop, train, and evaluate state-of-the-art generative models for diverse applications, including text, image, and audio generation.
• Design and implement robust experimental frameworks to test hypotheses and validate model performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers and product managers, to integrate AI models into production systems.
• Publish research findings in top-tier AI conferences and journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to building a strong AI research culture.
• Stay current with advancements in AI, machine learning, and related fields through continuous learning and active participation in the research community.
• Contribute to the development of internal tools and libraries to streamline the AI development lifecycle.

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 generative models, evidenced by publications or significant project contributions.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with extensive experience in deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX.
• Solid understanding of machine learning theory, statistics, and algorithm design.
• Experience with large-scale data processing and distributed computing environments (e.g., Spark, Dask).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and further education.
• Access to cutting-edge computing resources and research facilities.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment fostering innovation.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates relocating to Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .