Senior AI Research Scientist - Machine Learning

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health and wellness benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg seeks a Senior AI Research Scientist specializing in machine learning to lead cutting-edge research and develop novel ML algorithms. Hybrid work combines in-office collaboration with remote flexibility, enabling you to push boundaries while mentoring junior researchers.

You will publish findings, collaborate with engineering teams to productionize prototypes, and shape the company's AI roadmap, leveraging a deep theoretical ML background and hands-on experience with

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in machine learning.
• Proven track record of impactful research with publications in top-tier venues (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AAAI).
• Deep theoretical understanding of supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning.
• Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Experience with large-scale data processing and distributed computing.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead research initiatives and collaborate within a team.
• Experience in NLP, computer vision, or time-series is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in machine learning, deep learning, and related AI fields.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate new ML algorithms and models for diverse applications.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate research prototypes into production systems.
• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and engineers.
• Stay abreast of AI research developments globally.
• Design experiments to validate hypotheses and model performance.
• Contribute to the company's AI research strategy and roadmap.
• Identify new research opportunities aligned with business goals.
• Present results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Python programming

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Distributed computing

Research leadership

Communication skills

NLP/CV/Time series (plus)

Education

PhD in Computer Science/AI

Post-doctoral research experience

Tools

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge technology firm based in Johannesburg , Gauteng, is seeking a brilliant Senior AI Research Scientist specializing in Machine Learning. This role offers a hybrid work model, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. You will be at the vanguard of AI research, focusing on developing novel machine learning algorithms and models to solve complex real-world problems across various domains. This position requires a deep theoretical understanding of ML, combined with practical experience in implementing and deploying sophisticated AI solutions. You will lead research projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute significantly to the company's intellectual property and technological advancements. Join a dynamic team pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and making a tangible impact through innovative research.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in machine learning, deep learning, and related AI fields.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate new ML algorithms and models for diverse applications.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate research prototypes into production systems.
• Publish research findings in top-tier scientific conferences and journals.
• Mentor and guide junior research scientists and engineers.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI and machine learning research globally.
• Design and conduct experiments to validate research hypotheses and model performance.
• Contribute to the company's strategic direction in AI research and development.
• Identify and pursue novel research opportunities aligned with business objectives.
• Present research results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in machine learning.
• Proven track record of impactful research, evidenced by publications in top-tier venues (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AAAI).
• Deep theoretical understanding of various machine learning paradigms (e.g., supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning).
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python, and proficiency with ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Experience with large-scale data processing and distributed computing.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead research initiatives and collaborate effectively within a team.
• Experience in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, or time series analysis is a plus.

Benefits

• We offer a highly competitive salary package up to R per annum, commensurate with experience.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility, and our state-of-the-art facilities in Johannesburg foster innovation.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions, are provided.
• Opportunities for attending international conferences and continuous professional development are actively supported.
• Be part of a leading research team shaping the future of AI in South Africa.