Senior AI Research Scientist - Reinforcement Learning

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Conference travel

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Senior AI Research Scientist to push the frontiers of reinforcement learning in a hybrid role based in Klerksdorp. You will lead research projects, design experiments, and contribute to publications while collaborating with engineers on product integration.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in AI/CS, has 5+ years of RL research experience, and is proficient in Python and ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Ray RLlib.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, or related field with specialization in RL.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in AI/ML with focus on RL.
• Proven publications in leading AI venues.
• Strong understanding of RL algorithms (Q-learning, Policy Gradients, Actor-Critic).
• Proficiency in Python and ML/RL frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Ray RLlib).
• Experience with simulation environments and applying RL to real problems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced RL research and develop new algorithms.
• Design, implement, and evaluate RL algorithms for complex decision-making problems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define research objectives and roadmaps.
• Analyze experimental results, interpret findings, and present to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to high-quality research publications in top AI venues.
• Develop and prototype RL solutions for product offerings.
• Mentor junior researchers and grow the AI research team.
• Stay abreast of RL breakthroughs and related AI trends.

Skills

Reinforcement Learning

RL research

Publications

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Computer Science/AI

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Ray RLlib

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in artificial intelligence, is seeking an exceptional Senior AI Research Scientist to join their team in Klerksdorp, North West . This role focuses on advancing the frontiers of Reinforcement Learning (RL), developing novel algorithms, and applying them to solve challenging real-world problems. As a Senior AI Research Scientist, you will conduct cutting-edge research, design experiments, and contribute to high-impact publications and product development. This hybrid position allows for a blend of collaborative in-office work and remote flexibility. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in AI/ML, with a specialization in Reinforcement Learning, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of intelligent systems. You will work alongside a brilliant team of researchers and engineers in a stimulating environment that encourages creativity and intellectual curiosity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research in Reinforcement Learning, developing new algorithms and methodologies.
• Design, implement, and evaluate RL algorithms for complex decision-making problems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define research objectives and project roadmaps.
• Analyze experimental results, interpret findings, and present them to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to high-quality research publications in top-tier AI conferences and journals.
• Develop and prototype RL solutions that can be integrated into product offerings.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the growth of the AI research team.
• Stay abreast of the latest breakthroughs and trends in Reinforcement Learning and related AI fields.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field with a specialization in Reinforcement Learning.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in AI/ML, with a strong focus on RL.
• Proven track record of research contributions, including publications in leading AI venues.
• Deep understanding of RL algorithms (e.g., Q-learning, Policy Gradients, Actor-Critic methods), deep learning, and related areas.
• Proficiency in Python and ML/RL frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Ray RLlib.
• Experience with simulation environments and applying RL to practical problems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, an exceptional benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, and opportunities for conference travel and attendance. We provide a stimulating work environment with state-of-the-art research facilities and a culture that fosters innovation. The hybrid work model supports work-life balance, with opportunities for both focused remote work and collaborative in-office sessions. Join our research team in Klerksdorp, North West , and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence.