Research Scientist

IntroductionIBM Research Africa is looking for a researcher to join their AI research group which is exploring Trustworthy AI concepts and anomalous pattern detection techniques. This unique position will provide an opportunity to work with a dynamic team based in Nairobi, Kenya while also engaging with hundreds of global researchers in the world's largest industrial research lab.AI systems are increasingly being used to support human decision-making. While these systems hold the promise of delivering valuable insights across a multitude of applications, broad adoption of AI systems will rely heavily on the ability to trust their output. IBM Research is developing diverse approaches for how to integrate fairness, robustness, explainability, and causality concepts throughout the entire lifecycle of an AI application.In addition to novel research in Trustworthy AI, our team also engages in applied projects relevant to the African continent and emerging markets more broadly. We are currently involved in health and climate applications but have also worked in financial inclusion, water, and agriculture domains.Your Role and ResponsibilitiesAs research scientists, we prioritize communication skills, a persistent growth mindset for learning, and a humble respect for what one does _not_ know.On-the-job performance is measured by a high level of responsibility to others which includes integrity, realistic goal-setting, and reliable follow-through. These qualities, shared throughout the team, will then translate into three equally-weighted outputs of research:+ Papers: We target high-level conferences including Neurips, KDD, IJCAI, AAAI, ICML, MICCAI, as well as high-impact journals. We also prioritize some applied outlets such as AMIA.+ Products: IBM products are used around the world in almost every domain. Incorporating Trustworthy AI concepts into products or client engagements will lead to broad impact of our ideas and growth for the company.+ Patents: Research scientists are required to constantly be creating clear, actionable ideas for the upcoming 5-10 years. This fundamental innovation has secured IBM as the global patent leader for multiple decades.Founded in 2013, IBM Research Africa is the first industrial research lab on the continent with offices in Nairobi, Kenya and Johannesburg, South Africa. We are driving innovation by developing commercially-viable solutions to transform lives and spark new business opportunities in key areas such as healthcare, climate, and Artificial Intelligence.IBM Research Africa encourages applications from all genders and minority groups. We strongly encourage qualified researchers from the African continent to apply for this opportunity.Required Technical and Professional Expertise+ Doctorate from an accredited university in quantitative fields such as Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, Physics, Information Systems+ Demonstrable interest in Trustworthy AI concepts such as Robustness, Bias, Causality, Uncertainty Quantification, and Explainability+ 4 years coding experience with scientific Python stack (numpy, scipy, pandas, matplotlib, etc.)+ Thorough understanding of machine learning techniques and their probabilistic foundations+ Broad understanding of deep learning and implementation (pytorch/tensorflow/keras)Preferred Technical and Professional ExpertiseRefer to AboveAbout Business UnitWith more than 3,000 researchers in 12 labs located across six continents, IBM Research brings together hundreds of researchers who possess unparalleled industry expertise to address some of the world's most challenging problems. Join us as we do pioneering work in areas such as cognitive computing, augmented intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain, to name a few.Your Life @ IBMWhat matters to you when you're looking for your next career challenge?Maybe you want to get involved in work that really changes the world? What about somewhere with incredible and diverse career and development opportunities - where you can truly discover your passion? Are you looking for a culture of openness, collaboration and trust - where everyone has a voice? What about all of these? If so, then IBM could be your next career challenge. Join us, not to do something better, but to attempt things you never thought possible.Impact. Inclusion. Infinite Experiences. Do your best work ever.About IBMIBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that progress is made through progressive thinking, progressive leadership, progressive policy and progressive action. IBMers believe that the application of intelligence, reason and science can improve business, society and the human condition. Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are the largest technology and consulting employer in the world, with more than 380,000 IBMers serving clients in 170 countries.Location StatementFor additional information about location requirements, please discuss with the recruiter following submission of your application.Being You @ IBMIBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.