Senior AI Scientist - Generative Models

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health insurance

PTO and flexible hours

Learning budget

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng invites a Senior AI Scientist to advance state-of-the-art generative AI models for content creation, synthetic data, and complex pattern synthesis. You will lead research, design algorithms, and implement solutions with large datasets in a dynamic startup setting.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field, 5+ years of AI/ML research, and strong coding skills (PyTorch/TensorFlow) to translate research into practical applications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of AI/ML research and development experience focusing on generative models.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing generative AI models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development on advanced generative AI models (GANs, VAEs, Diffusion Models, Transformers).
• Design, implement, train generative models for image synthesis, text generation, and data augmentation.
• Analyze and evaluate model performance using appropriate metrics.
• Process, clean, and manage large datasets for model training.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate models into product features.

Skills

Generative AI

GANs

VAEs

Diffusion Models

Deep learning

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Distributed computing

Education

PhD or MS in CS/AI

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing AI startup focused on creative technologies, is seeking a Senior AI Scientist with expertise in Generative Models to join their innovative team in **Soweto, Gauteng**. This role will involve pioneering the development of state-of-the-art generative AI models for applications in content creation, synthetic data generation, and complex pattern synthesis. You will be responsible for researching, designing, implementing, and evaluating novel generative algorithms, working with large datasets and advanced deep learning techniques. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research, shape product development, and collaborate with a talented team of AI professionals. We are looking for a candidate with a strong theoretical foundation in generative models (GANs, VAEs, Diffusion Models, etc.), excellent coding skills, and a proven ability to translate research into practical applications. Your contributions in **Soweto** will be vital in driving the next wave of AI-powered creativity and innovation. The role offers a dynamic startup environment, significant research autonomy, and the chance to make a real impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development on advanced generative AI models, including GANs, VAEs, Diffusion Models, and Transformers.
• Design, implement, and train generative models for various applications such as image synthesis, text generation, and data augmentation.
• Analyze and evaluate the performance and quality of generative models using appropriate metrics.
• Process, clean, and manage large datasets for model training.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate generative models into product features.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and research in generative AI and deep learning.
• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals, where applicable.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers working on generative AI projects.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the company's generative AI initiatives.
• Ensure the ethical development and responsible deployment of generative AI technologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in AI/ML research and development, with a strong focus on generative models.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing generative AI models.
• Expertise in deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Strong programming skills in Python and proficiency with relevant libraries (NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn).
• Deep understanding of the theory and practice of GANs, VAEs, Diffusion Models, and other generative techniques.
• Experience with large-scale data handling and distributed computing is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Experience in contributing to research publications or open-source projects is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and significant stock options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Annual budget for professional development, conferences, and learning resources.
• Opportunity to work on highly innovative and impactful AI projects.
• Collaborative and fast-paced startup culture.
• Pension fund with employer contributions.
• Regular team events and company retreats.
• Direct impact on product strategy and technology roadmap.
• Modern office space or remote work flexibility.