AI & ML Senior Researcher

Job Summary Key Responsibilities: · Lead research and experimentation in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. · Design, develop, train, and evaluate advanced AI/ML models and algorithms. · Identify and explore new AI/ML methods, technologies, and research opportunities. · Develop prototypes and convert research findings into practical and scalable solutions. · Conduct model testing, benchmarking, validation, and performance optimization. · Work with large, complex, structured, and unstructured datasets for research and model development. · Collaborate with data engineering, software development, cybersecurity, and infrastructure teams to integrate AI solutions into systems and applications. · Ensure AI/ML solutions consider security, privacy, reliability, explainability, and responsible AI practices. · Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior AI/ML researchers and engineers. · Prepare and maintain research documentation, technical reports, experiment results, and model documentation. · Evaluate open-source AI technologies and develop solutions that support self-hosted and locally sustainable systems. · Support the organization in developing AI solutions relevant to local operational needs and Afghanistan’s technology environment. Job Requirements Required Qualifications: · PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field. · Strong knowledge of machine learning, deep learning, statistical modeling, and AI algorithms. · Proven experience designing, training, evaluating, and optimizing AI/ML models. · Strong programming skills in Python and experience with frameworks such as PyTorch, Tensor Flow, or JAX. · Experience with large datasets, data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation. · Strong understanding of NLP, computer vision, generative AI, or other relevant AI domains. · Knowledge of model explainability, responsible AI, privacy, security, and bias evaluation. · Experience with research methodology, experimentation, benchmarking, and technical documentation. · Familiarity with MLOps, model deployment, version control, and production AI workflows. · Ability to work with self-hosted, on premise, cloud, or hybrid AI infrastructure. · Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills. · Ability to collaborate effectively with data engineering, software development, cybersecurity, and infrastructure teams. Preferred Qualifications: · PhD or advanced research background in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or a related field. · Published research in reputable journals, conferences, or technical platforms. · Experience with Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), NLP, computer vision, or multimodal AI systems. · Experience fine-tuning, evaluating, and optimizing open-source AI models. · Knowledge of distributed training, GPU computing, and high-performance AI infrastructure. · Experience with MLOps, model deployment, monitoring, and production AI systems. · Familiarity with self-hosted, on premise, and privacy-focused AI solutions. · Experience leading AI/ML research projects and mentoring junior researchers or engineers. · Knowledge of responsible AI, model safety, explainability, bias mitigation, and data privacy. · Relevant professional certifications or specialized training in AI, ML, cloud, or advanced computing are an advantage. Plus, Points: · Experience with open-source LLMs and self-hosted AI platforms. · Hands-on experience with GPU servers, distributed training, and model optimization. · Experience developing AI solutions for low-resource languages, especially Pashto and Dari. · Knowledge of RAG, vector databases, embeddings, and AI agent systems. · Experience with edge AI, offline AI, or limited-connectivity environments. · Contributions to open-source AI/ML projects or research communities. · Experience building AI solutions for local, regional, or developing-market challenges. · Strong understanding of AI security, adversarial ML, and model protection. Experience Requirement: · Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or applied research. · Proven experience in designing, training, evaluating, and optimizing advanced AI/ML models. · Experience conducting research, experimentation, benchmarking, and model validation. · Practical experience with deep learning, NLP, computer vision, generative AI, or LLM-based systems. · Experience working with large datasets, GPU-based computing, and AI/ML frameworks. · Experience deploying or integrating AI/ML models into real-world or production systems. · Experience leading research projects and providing technical guidance or mentorship to junior team members. · Experience collaborating with data engineering, software development, cybersecurity, and infrastructure teams. · Experience with self-hosted, on premise, cloud, or hybrid AI environments is preferred. What We Offer: · Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience. · Opportunity to lead advanced AI/ML research and innovation projects. · Access to modern AI tools, GPU infrastructure, and research resources. · Hands-on work with self-hosted, privacy-focused, and locally sustainable AI systems. · Opportunities for professional development, research growth, and technical leadership. · Collaboration with data engineering, software development, cybersecurity, and infrastructure teams. · Opportunity to develop AI solutions for Pashto, Dari, and other locally relevant challenges. · Opportunity to contribute to independent and innovative technology solutions for Afghanistan.