Assistant Director of Scientific AI Research

Assistant Director of Scientific AI Research

Remote, client is based in NY state.

$180-260K Salary Range

Job Description:

• Client is seeking an accomplished and visionary scientist or engineer to spearhead the creation of a new team dedicated to AI-driven scientific discovery.
• This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a cutting-edge research group at the intersection of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing (HPC), and large-scale scientific experimentation.
• In this role, candidates will leverage client’s deep expertise in computer vision, AI, HPC, medical imaging, and scientific software development to drive innovative research programs.
• Candidates will be responsible for securing funding from government agencies and private sector partners to advance AI-enhanced methodologies that accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

In This Position Candidates Will:

• Team Formation and Leadership: Build and lead a high-impact, interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers focused on AI-driven scientific discovery.
• Research and Development: Design and implement novel AI-based approaches to solve complex scientific challenges, with applications in materials science, energy technologies, large-scale experimental facilities, and HPC-based simulations.
• Collaboration and Integration: Collaborate with client’s existing experts in C , Python, CMake, VTK, ParaView, and Trame to develop state-of-the-art computational modeling, data analysis, and visualization workflows.
• Funding and Partnerships: Secure research funding through grant proposals and industry partnerships, driving the team’s growth and expanding client’s impact in AI-enabled scientific discovery.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, physics, engineering, applied mathematics) with a strong track record of AI-driven scientific research.
• Proven ability to obtain research funding and manage large-scale, grant-funded projects.
• A demonstrated track record of leading federal and/or commercial business development activities and securing R&D funding for a team of 6 to 12 people.
• Experience leading or collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with HPC environments and large-scale simulations.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build partnerships across academia, government, and industry.
• Due to contractual restrictions, only candidates who are U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) will be considered for this position.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Build and scale a high-impact technical research team.
• Drive business development and secure funding (grants, partnerships).
• Operate at the intersection of academia and industry (publishing expected).
• Lead initiatives across federal (85%) commercial environments.
• Establish and grow research programs with measurable impact.

Key Requirements / Profile:

• Proven ability to build and lead technical teams.
• Strong research publication background.
• Experience securing government or R&D funding.
• Federal/government experience strongly preferred.
• Commercial experience also valued.
• Open to Tech Lead or Assistant Director level candidates.
• Location: Remote: Possible if open to travel (Remote work available in AL, AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MN, NC, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI) HAS TO BE IN THESE STATES
• Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
• Target Salary: Assistant Director: $180,000 – $260,000
• Experience Level: Senior / Leadership (Tech Lead or Assistant Director level)
• Start Date: ASAP
• Travel: Initial few weeks on site in NY
• Ongoing travel up to 25%
• Company Size: ~170 employees

Recruiter Insight (important):

• This is NOT a typical engineering role? it’s: Research leadership business development

Candidates need:

• Publications
• Funding/grants experience
• Government exposure