Senior AI Research Scientist - NLP

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement benefits

Conferences & training opportunities

Performance-based bonuses

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Midrand seeks a Senior AI Research Scientist to advance NLP research and deploy cutting-edge AI solutions within production systems. The role focuses on driving research in large language models, sentiment analysis, and machine translation, while mentoring a team of researchers and engineers.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate theory into practical applications, publish in top venues, and contribute to strategy and innovation in a forward-thinking

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in CS/AI/ML or related quantitative field.
• Proven NLP research track record with publications.
• Strong Python and deep learning framework proficiency (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras).
• Experience with NLP libraries (spaCy, NLTK, Hugging Face Transformers).
• Cloud and big data technologies exposure; ability to deploy ML models.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills; ability to mentor teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge NLP research including LLMs, sentiment analysis, text generation, and translation.
• Design and implement novel AI algorithms to solve business problems.
• Collaborate with engineers and product managers to deploy AI in production.
• Stay updated on AI/ML advancements, especially NLP developments.
• Publish findings in top conferences/journals and mentor junior staff.
• Benchmark and optimize AI models; contribute to AI strategy.

Skills

NLP leadership

Research mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD or Master's in CS/AI/ML

Tools

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Keras

spaCy

NLTK

Hugging Face Transformers

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in artificial intelligence, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior AI Research Scientist to join their dynamic team in Midrand, Gauteng . This role is pivotal in driving advancements in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and contributing to the development of cutting‑edge AI solutions. You will be at the forefront of research, translating complex theoretical concepts into practical applications that have a significant impact on the industry. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background coupled with hands‑on experience in developing and deploying sophisticated AI models. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a talented group of professionals in a collaborative and forward‑thinking environment. The position offers a unique chance to shape the future of AI while advancing your own career in a supportive and intellectually stimulating setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting‑edge research in Natural Language Processing (NLP), including but not limited to, large language models, sentiment analysis, text generation, and machine translation.
• Design, develop, and implement novel AI algorithms and models to solve complex business problems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including engineers and product managers, to integrate AI solutions into production systems.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI and machine learning, particularly in the NLP domain.
• Publish research findings in top‑tier conferences and journals.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Evaluate and benchmark the performance of AI models, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of AI research within the organization.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven track record of impactful research in NLP, evidenced by publications and practical applications.
• Strong proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Expertise in a wide range of NLP techniques and libraries (e.g., spaCy, NLTK, Hugging Face Transformers).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects and mentoring team members.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise. Employees enjoy comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. We provide opportunities for continuous professional development, including access to conferences, workshops, and further educational support. A generous leave policy ensures a healthy work‑life balance. You will work in a state‑of‑the‑art facility in Midrand, Gauteng , with access to cutting‑edge technology and resources. Opportunities for career advancement within a rapidly growing company are abundant. Employees also benefit from performance‑based bonuses and an inclusive, collaborative work culture that values innovation and individual contribution. We are committed to fostering a diverse and equitable workplace.