VP of AI Research (The Innovation Trailblazer)

Are you a visionary in artificial intelligence, passionate about pioneering research that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible? Do you have the strategic insight to lead research teams toward innovations that solve complex challenges and drive advancements in AI technology? If you’re ready to lead a team in creating transformative AI solutions that impact products, processes, and industry standards, our client has the perfect role for you. We’re seeking a VP of AI Research (aka The Innovation Trailblazer) to direct research initiatives, inspire a team of talented researchers, and position the company at the forefront of AI innovation.

As the VP of AI Research at our client, you’ll drive groundbreaking research projects and develop advanced AI models, keeping the company ahead in a rapidly evolving field. From natural language processing and computer vision to deep learning and reinforcement learning, you’ll oversee research that impacts real-world applications, enhances AI capabilities, and fuels product development and market differentiation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Set the Strategic Vision for AI Research:
• Develop and communicate a strategic vision for AI research that aligns with organizational goals. You’ll identify research priorities, establish long-term objectives, and ensure that AI advancements support business growth and product innovation.
2. Oversee Cutting-Edge AI Research Initiatives:
• Lead pioneering research across fields such as NLP, computer vision, deep learning, and reinforcement learning. You’ll drive projects that explore new methodologies and applications, bringing fresh innovations to product and business development.
3. Build and Lead a High-Impact AI Research Team:
• Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of top-tier AI researchers and data scientists. You’ll foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and breakthrough discoveries.
4. Collaborate with Product Teams to Drive Innovation:
• Work closely with product teams to translate research findings into practical applications. You’ll ensure that research initiatives support product roadmaps, feature development, and the application of cutting-edge AI models.
5. Promote Responsible and Ethical AI:
• Establish and enforce ethical AI research standards, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in model development. You’ll work to uphold responsible AI practices, promoting bias mitigation and model interpretability.
6. Publish and Present Research Findings:
• Drive efforts to publish research in leading journals, conferences, and open-source communities, positioning the company as an AI thought leader. You’ll present research findings to stakeholders and the wider industry, showcasing advancements and industry contributions.
7. Stay Ahead of AI Trends and Technological Developments:
• Keep abreast of the latest advancements in AI and machine learning, from research breakthroughs to evolving industry standards. You’ll ensure that the company remains competitive and cutting-edge in its AI research pursuits.

Requirements

Required Skills:

• Deep Expertise in AI and Machine Learning: Extensive experience in machine learning, deep learning, and advanced AI techniques. You have a proven record in areas such as NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning, or generative models.
• Research Strategy and Leadership: Strong strategic vision with experience directing AI research efforts that align with business and product goals. You know how to prioritize research areas that have both high impact and real-world applicability.
• Team Development and Mentorship: Skilled in recruiting, developing, and leading high-performing AI research teams. You’re able to inspire creativity, innovation, and a continuous pursuit of excellence.
• Collaboration with Product Teams: Proven ability to bridge the gap between research and practical application. You work effectively with product teams to ensure that research initiatives lead to market-ready AI applications.
• Commitment to Ethical AI Practices: Strong advocate for ethical AI development, with knowledge of bias mitigation, model interpretability, and responsible AI principles. You’re dedicated to promoting fairness and accountability in AI models.

Educational Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field. Equivalent experience with a strong research portfolio may be considered.
• Publications in reputable AI conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR) or journals are highly advantageous.

Experience Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in AI research and development, with a strong record of leading advanced research projects and publishing in prominent journals or conferences.
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership role, directing research teams in AI or machine learning fields.
• Experience with commercializing research for product development is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low co-pays and premiums.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, sick leave, and 20 paid holidays per year.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and telecommuting options.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification reimbursement, and career advancement programs.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, including gym memberships, health screenings, and mental health resources.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in community service and volunteer activities.
• Recognition Programs: Employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements and milestones.