Senior AI Research Scientist - Natural Language Processing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Conference attendance

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior AI Research Scientist (NLP) in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating advanced NLP models and algorithms for real-world AI systems.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD or MSc in a related field, publish in top venues, and lead through collaboration with software engineers and data scientists in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Linguistics, or a related field.
• Proven track record of research in Natural Language Processing with publications in top conferences (ACL, EMNLP, NeurIPS).
• Strong programming in Python and experience with DL frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement novel NLP models and algorithms for text generation, sentiment analysis, machine translation, and information extraction.
• Study state-of-the-art NLP techniques and architectures (Transformers, LSTMs) and publish findings.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the technical vision of the team.

Skills

NLP

Deep Learning

Research

Python

Education

PhD or MSc in CS/AI/Computational Linguistics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

JAX

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering entity in the AI & Emerging Technologies sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior AI Research Scientist specializing in Natural Language Processing (NLP) to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research and development projects that are shaping the future of artificial intelligence. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and evaluating advanced NLP models and algorithms. The ideal candidate possesses a strong academic background coupled with practical experience in applying NLP techniques to real-world problems. This position is based in our client's state-of-the-art facilities located in the vibrant city of Pietermaritzburg , offering a collaborative and innovative work environment. We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and scientific curiosity, encouraging our researchers to push the boundaries of what's possible.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement novel NLP models and algorithms for tasks such as text generation, sentiment analysis, machine translation, and information extraction. Conduct in-depth research into state-of-the-art NLP techniques, including deep learning architectures (e.g., Transformers, LSTMs). Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers and data scientists, to integrate AI models into production systems. Design and execute rigorous experiments to evaluate model performance and identify areas for improvement. Stay abreast of the latest academic research and industry trends in NLP and AI. Publish research findings in leading AI conferences and journals. Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the overall technical vision of the team. Contribute to the development of robust datasets for training and evaluating NLP models.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Linguistics, or a related field. Proven track record of research and development in Natural Language Processing, with demonstrable publications in top-tier conferences (e.g., ACL, EMNLP, NeurIPS). Strong programming skills in Python and proficiency with deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX. Expertise in machine learning, deep learning, and statistical modeling techniques relevant to NLP. Experience with large language models (LLMs) and their applications. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with the capacity to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in Pietermaritzburg.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. Opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and further training, are actively supported. The working environment is highly stimulating, offering exposure to challenging and rewarding projects in the field of AI & Emerging Technologies . This role is primarily based in our Pietermaritzburg office, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement. Join a team that values innovation, scientific rigor, and making a tangible impact.