AI & ML Senior Researcher (Re-announced)

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.

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.

Applicants are required to mention the Job Title and Vacancy # in the subject line of their email. Please attach your updated CV and a cover letter and send them to hr@ibtekarmind.com, with a copy (CC) to Ibtekarmind2026@gmail.com. The application deadline is 20-November-2026, so ensure your submission is sent before this date.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and a demo session. We look forward to receiving your applications.