Senior AI Research Scientist - Machine Learning Specialist

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Generous PTO

Remote-first culture

Professional development

Stock options after probation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior AI Research Scientist to lead cutting-edge ML model development in a remote-first setup. You will design advanced algorithms, analyze large datasets, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to apply AI solutions across products and services.

The role emphasizes independent work, strong publications, and mentoring, with a focus on ethical AI practices and bias mitigation within a global, flexible work structure.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Computer Science, AI, ML or related quantitative field.
• Proven research and development in ML with publications.
• Strong Python programming with TF/PyTorch/scikit-learn.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced ML models and algorithms.
• Conduct rigorous research to identify new AI opportunities.
• Analyze large datasets to train models effectively.
• Collaborate with engineers and product managers to integrate AI solutions.
• Publish findings in top-tier conferences and journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to knowledge sharing.
• Develop and maintain robust codebases for AI experiments.
• Evaluate model performance and iterate improvements.
• Ensure ethical considerations and bias mitigation in AI development.

Skills

Python programming

ML algorithms

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD or MSc in CS/AI

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Spark

Job description

About the Role Our client is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior AI Research Scientist to join their pioneering team focused on developing cutting-edge machine learning models. This role is ideal for an individual passionate about pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and contributing to impactful projects. As a remote-first position, you will collaborate with a dynamic global team from the comfort of your home office, bringing your expertise to solve complex challenges in AI. This is an exceptional opportunity to work in a collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged and rewarded. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of AI technologies. We are looking for individuals who are proactive, self-driven, and possess a strong analytical mindset. The successful candidate will play a key role in our client's continued growth and success in the AI sector. The **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA** region, while not a physical requirement for this role, benefits from the innovative spirit of our client's operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced machine learning algorithms and models.
• Conduct rigorous research to identify new opportunities for AI application and improvement.
• Analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights and train models effectively.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and product managers, to integrate AI solutions into products and services.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, deep learning, and related fields.
• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the team's knowledge sharing.
• Develop and maintain robust codebases for AI models and experiments.
• Evaluate model performance and iteratively improve upon existing solutions.
• Ensure ethical considerations and bias mitigation are integrated into AI development processes.

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 machine learning, with publications in reputable venues.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with extensive experience using libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn.
• Deep understanding of various ML algorithms, statistical modeling, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with large-scale data processing and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark).
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) is a plus.
• Familiarity with natural language processing (NLP) or computer vision is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and training.
• Access to state-of-the-art AI research tools and resources.
• A supportive and innovative remote-first work culture.
• Contribution to groundbreaking AI research with real-world impact.
• Home office stipend to ensure a productive remote work environment.
• Collaborative environment with leading experts in the field.
• Eligibility for stock options after a probationary period.