Senior AI Researcher - Generative Models

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Research grant support

Travel to international conferences

State-of-the-art computing infra

Paid academic leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior AI Researcher in Bloemfontein to lead generative AI research and develop novel model architectures. You will work on GANs, VAEs, diffusion models, and transformer-based systems, advancing applications from content creation to scientific discovery.

You will collaborate with researchers to publish in top venues, mentor juniors, and contribute to ethical and responsible AI deployment in a high-impact academic setting.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, AI, ML or related field with a focus on generative models.
• 5+ years of post-doctoral or industry research in AI with a track record in generative modeling.
• Proficiency in Python and DL frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with large-scale data processing and high-performance computing environments.
• Proven publications in NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in generative AI, focusing on novel model architectures and training methods.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate advanced generative models (GANs, VAEs, diffusion models, transformers).
• Apply generative AI to image synthesis, text generation, data augmentation, and drug discovery.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to integrate models into larger AI systems.
• Communicate findings through papers and presentations; stay updated with latest research.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Independent & collaborative

Mentor researchers

Publish research

Education

PhD in Computer Science / AI / ML

Tools

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

HPC

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a groundbreaking research institution dedicated to advancing the frontiers of artificial intelligence. We are seeking a Senior AI Researcher with a specialization in Generative Models to join our esteemed team in Bloemfontein . This role is for an individual driven by curiosity and a desire to push the boundaries of AI creativity and synthesis. You will be at the forefront of developing novel generative techniques, exploring new architectures, and applying them to create innovative solutions across various domains, from content creation to scientific discovery. The ideal candidate possesses a profound theoretical understanding and practical experience with models like GANs, VAEs, and diffusion models. Join a collaborative environment focused on impactful research and publication in top-tier venues. This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the evolution of AI in a stimulating academic and research setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in the field of generative AI, focusing on novel model architectures and training methodologies.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate advanced generative models, including GANs, VAEs, diffusion models, and transformer-based generative systems.
• Explore and apply generative AI to solve complex problems in areas such as image synthesis, text generation, data augmentation, and drug discovery.
• Collaborate with other researchers and engineers to integrate generative models into larger AI systems and applications.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results, and clearly communicate findings through research papers and presentations.
• Stay current with the latest research in generative models, machine learning, and related fields.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation.
• Contribute to the intellectual property of the organization through publications and potential patents.
• Ensure ethical considerations are addressed in the development and deployment of generative AI technologies.
• Participate in grant writing and contribute to securing research funding.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field with a strong focus on generative models.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in AI, with a demonstrated track record in generative modeling.
• Deep theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art generative model architectures and techniques.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with large-scale data processing and high-performance computing environments.
• Proven ability to publish research in leading AI conferences and journals (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR).
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.
• Residency or commitment to relocating to Bloemfontein is required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and research grant support.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous research budget for equipment and resources.
• Opportunities for travel to international conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure.
• A stimulating and intellectually rich research environment.
• Paid time off and academic holidays.
• Retirement savings plan.