Senior Applied Scientist, Generative AI Research

Key Skills

Apache Kafka, CUDA/GPU programming, Docker, HTML, JavaScript, Large Language Models - LLMs, Natural Language Processing (NLP), NumPy, PowerBI, Python Programming

Job Description

About Nexon

Nexon America is a branch of Nexon Co., Ltd., a global video game publisher and leading developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers celebrated franchises like MapleStory, KartRider, and Mabinogi that have been enjoyed by millions of players for over two decades. When we founded our Nexon America branch in 2006, we made it our goal to bring those unique games to western players using a player-first approach. We achieve that goal by applying our team’s outstanding free-to-play expertise and live game support to every decision, every day.

But we’re committed to more than our games! Here at Nexon America, we’re all about open communication, diversity, mutual respect, and collaboration, so we can bring out the best in each other. Nexies find support, friendship, and career growth all in one place! And because we know a healthy work-life balance is the key to happiness, Nexies also enjoy flexible hours, a hybrid work model, and extra perks like food trucks, happy hours, and team events. It’s why we’ve earned the Great Place to Work certification for 3 years running!

We’re looking to expand our team with passionate individuals who want to learn, play, and grow with us. Ready for a new challenge?

Summary of Position

Nexon America is looking for a talented Senior Applied Scientist to lead generative AI research for global Nexon games. As a Senior Applied Scientist of our AI team, you will lead efforts researching the latest generative AI technologies and trends, refining generative AI models, providing technical guides about how to build and verify AI services for our games, collaborating with our data teams and game developers, and leading the improvement of the team’s processes.

We are currently working in the office 2-3x a week in a hybrid work model.

Job Responsibilities

• Leadership on Generative AI Research: Lead the research of trending generative AI technologies that can be used by Nexon’s game developers, players, and internal employees. Be up-to-date with the latest generative AI technologies, analyzing academic papers, open-source projects, and third-party services. Explore practical applications of Large Language Models for our games. Take ownerships of specific research areas and provide technical guidance to other team members working in the same area.

• Research on AI Startups: Research AI startups and their services, especially related to the game industry. Communicate with these startups to discover innovative AI services that can be integrated into Nexon’s games and services

• Generative AI Model Refinement: Conduct advanced research to refine and customize generative AI models for our specific needs with deep understanding of the models. Research on difficult fields that require a deep understanding of the fundamentals. Refine and optimize these models regarding accuracy, reliability, performance, and cost.

• Model Evaluation: Evaluate the performance of Generative AI models. Develop guidelines on effective model verification for reliable model results. Come up with the technical methods to evaluate the research results with less manual evaluations.

• Prototype Development: Design and build prototypes of generative AI services with team members. Provide technical guides about how to utilize the generative AI models to build the prototypes

• Collaboration and Mentorship: Work closely with other data scientists, data analysts, data engineers, software engineers, and game developers to understand complicated project requirements, provide advanced solutions and technical guides, and ensure the successful application of generative models in our games and services. Mentor other engineers/scientists and contribute to their growth by providing guidance and advice.

• Documentation: Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation of research results and models. Ensure findings are easily accessible to colleagues and stakeholders

• Research Process Improvement: Lead the improvement of team’s research process and document the process.

• Present Findings: Share your results and insights with team members and stakeholders. Drive meetings to discuss results and propose future research and development paths.

Work Experience

• 4+ years of proven professional working experience as a Applied Scientist, Data Scientist or related field with research experience
• Previous work or research experience with Large Language Models or advanced degree on NLP
• Previous experience in the gaming industry with the domain knowledge preferred

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

• Bachelor’s Mathematics, or related field. An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field, especially LLM/NLP, would be preferred

Knowledge/Skills

• Solid understanding of the fundamentals of generative AI, including the concepts, algorithms, and applications

• Proficiency in Python and machine learning libraries

• Great research skills on trending AI technologies

• Good communication skills, ability to explain complex concepts and findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.

Nexon’s Benefits and Perks

We offer medical, dental and vision plans for you, your spouse or domestic partner and your children. Employees who enroll in the high deductible health plan receive an annual employer contribution to a health savings account and company paid hospital indemnity benefits. We also provide company paid life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability benefits as well as access to voluntary life and AD&D for yourself and your dependents, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) savings plan with a company match, and pet insurance. Nexies are encouraged to take advantage of our monthly wellness credit, participate in lunchtime yoga, and enroll in language classes. We host bi-monthly catered lunches, monthly happy hours, and maintain a well-stocked snack bar. To help you maintain a good work life balance, we offer paid time off, sick days, company holidays, and a year-end break.

Nexon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Compensation Description for Pay Transparency (annually)

The base salary range for this position in El Segundo, CA is $127,000 - $190,000 annually.

Our salary ranges are determined by market data based on position and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum salaries for that position. An individual’s pay is determined by factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, skills, experiences, relevant education or training, and location.

Base pay is one part of the Total Rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, however the salary range listed in this job posting reflects the base salary only.