Principal Researcher Engineer

An advanced technology organisation is seeking a Principal Researcher to define and lead ambitious research programmes at the intersection of artificial intelligence and semiconductor development. This is a senior strategic position for an established research leader who can identify high-value scientific opportunities, shape organisational priorities and translate fundamental research into meaningful technological advances. You will oversee a portfolio of high-impact projects while helping the organisation strengthen its contribution to the wider AI research community. Current areas of interest include large language models, deep-learning optimisation, reinforcement learning and generative modelling, with a particular focus on applying AI to semiconductor design and optimisation. Your Responsibilities

• Define and communicate a compelling long-term vision for AI research.
• Establish research priorities that support both scientific progress and organisational objectives.
• Lead a portfolio of complex, high-impact research programmes.
• Initiate and drive original research capable of producing significant advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• Guide, mentor and develop senior researchers and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Identify opportunities to apply emerging AI techniques to semiconductor design and optimisation.
• Build strategic relationships with universities, industry organisations, funding bodies and other research partners.
• Represent the research function in senior-level collaborations, industry forums and policy discussions.
• Influence the development of organisational research policies and investment priorities.
• Publish and present important findings at leading conferences, journals and industry events.
• Monitor advances across AI and adjacent scientific fields to identify new areas of opportunity and impact. Your Background
• PhD in machine learning, artificial intelligence, mathematics, computer science, physics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research experience.
• Distinguished publication record in leading conferences or journals such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR or ACL.
• Demonstrated success in defining research strategy and leading multiple concurrent projects.
• Evidence of delivering influential or breakthrough research in machine learning or artificial intelligence.
• Advanced programming capability in Python, C++ or a comparable language.
• Exceptional leadership, mentoring and communication skills.
• Experience representing research teams in external partnerships, collaborations or policy forums. The following experience would be particularly valuable:
• Deep expertise in optimisation, reinforcement learning or large language models.
• Experience applying AI to chip design, semiconductor development or another technically demanding engineering domain.
• Practical knowledge of frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow or JAX.
• Experience influencing organisational policy or securing major research funding. Make a Lasting Research Impact If you are an accomplished AI research leader motivated by the opportunity to shape scientific strategy, mentor exceptional researchers and advance AI-enabled semiconductor innovation, apply now or email nk@eu-recruit.com