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Preply is a unicorn edtech platform (Series D, $150M) transforming language learning at global scale. With 100,000+ tutors teaching 90+ languages to learners in 180 countries, the company combines human-led instruction with AI-enhanced personalization.
As Senior Principal Applied AI Scientist, you will lead the development of AI-driven personalized learning solutions and shape Preply's scientific roadmap. Reporting directly to the VP of Data and Applied AI, you'll have high autonomy and influence over the company's most ambitious AI initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Innovative R&D: Design and deploy scalable machine learning solutions leveraging deep learning, NLP, information retrieval, LLMs, and multimodal AI for personalized learning and intelligent tutor systems.
- Scientific leadership: Develop long-term scientific roadmaps aligned with product strategy and business goals; act as strategic advisor to senior leadership on technology direction and organizational planning.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Partner with applied science leaders, product managers, and engineering teams to deliver AI solutions addressing user needs and unlocking business opportunities.
- Mentorship: Guide and mentor scientists and engineers, fostering a collaborative innovation community.
- Best practices: Establish standards in machine learning architecture design, research roadmaps, and deployment pipelines.
Required qualifications:
- PhD in NLP, IR, Machine Learning, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).
- 8+ years of industry experience with deep learning-based NLP, LLM continuous pre-training, and IR methods.
- Demonstrated expertise in retrieval models, ranking models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and LLMs for real-world applications.
- Proficiency in PyTorch and cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud).
- Proven ability to lead scientific roadmaps across multiple product areas, aligning research with business objectives.
- Track record solving real-world problems from research through production deployment.
- Passion for driving scientific innovation in personalized learning; strong cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preply offers competitive compensation with equity, generous learning allowance, professional development budget, mental health support, and the opportunity to impact millions of learners globally.
