Associate Director AI Science

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Analytical and Problem solving, Apache Hadoop, AWS, Common data structures, Data Modeling, Deep Learning, Effective communication skills, Java Programming, Large Language Models - LLMs, Python Programming, R Programming

Job Description

What you'll be doing…

This is a leadership role that will require deep technical expertise in data science and AI methods, experience with implementation of AI in commercial applications and experience in leading and building a team. This leader and the team will focus on proactive research on the next generation of AI methods with a focus on building ethical AI capabilities and designing models and model testing and validations practices that eliminate potential for biases. This role will work closely with data science teams and the entire data scientist community at Verizon in proactively designing and developing unbiased and ethical AI capabilities. These AI capabilities will include predictive, prescriptive and adaptive applications for all predictions and inferences at Verizon. Models will typically get implemented on premise, in cloud and/or on the edge and in both real-time and batch mode depending upon the business applications. At Verizon, we are on a multi-year journey to industrialize our data science and AI capabilities. Very simply, this means that AI will fuel all decisions and business processes across the company. At $130B+ in annual revenue, this is a pioneering opportunity to design and shape AI at scale in the Telco industry. With our leadership in bringing 5G network nationwide, the opportunity for AI will only grow exponentially in going from enabling billions of predictions to possibly trillions of predictions that are automated and real-time. Therefore, it will be critical that this candidate possess previous experience in research and validation of AI and data science techniques.An ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, critical thinking, and strategic thinking skills above and beyond the technical knowledge and commercial application experience required. Responsibilities include....

Develop Next Generation AI Capabilities

• Leading in developing the next generation of AI that protects the privacy of our customers and ensures that our modeling practices are ethical and bias free. Bring thought leadership in this space by introducing ways of identifying and testing for biases in our models. Introduce new methods to protect the confidentiality of our data.
• Developing testing and validation rigor for all new and next generation AI methods.
• Collaborating with data scientist teams and senior leaders to ensure model testing and validation discipline is followed for all models including models deployed in production.

Build and Manage the Team

• Building a high performing team of data scientists that is highly engaged, operates with high degree to autonomy, accountability and a sense to urgency in delivering on business outcomes
• Building a diverse team with an inclusive culture
• Attracting and retain top talent with deep technical expertise to Verizon
• Enabling career development via access to training resources, on the job coaching and mentoring
• Helping create an environment where our scientists are engaged in pioneering work that can be shared with the world in a number of ways like open source, publications, etc.

Technical Thought Leadership

• Operating as an expert and thought leader both within Verizon and externally within industry
• Serving as trusted advisor to all stakeholders at Verizon
• Coaching and mentor our high potential talent

Elevate the AI Practice

• Partnering with academia and startup ecosystem to identify and potentially bring in new AI approach that can be of value to Verizon.
• Staying informed on the latest advancements in AI and technology space, finding ways to deliver value by applying and customizing these to our specific problem space.
• Helping create an environment where our scientists are engaged in pioneering work that can be shared with the world in a number of ways like open source, publications, etc.
• Inspiring our team to create AI applications designed with bias considerations and that promotes ethical AI both within Verizon and externally with Verizon’s partners.
• Establishing best practices and governance routines to ensure adherence to model management policies, peer reviews, and compliance to our policy standards for privacy, ethics, and bias.

What we're looking for…

You'll need to have:

• Bachelor's degree or four or more years of work experience.

• Six or more years of relevant work experience.

Even better if you have one or more of the following:

• 5+ years of direct experience with leading models research and validation with a focus on topics like bias and ethical AI, at least 2 years in a manager capacity managing research oriented talent
• In-depth working experience in Deep Learning Framework (e.g. Pytorch), Generative AI (e.g. LLM, Multimodal LLM, Alignment) and Distributed systems.
• High level understanding and ability to explain both the code and the underlying math used in algorithms/models. Must have excellent coding proficiency with demonstrated expertise in python, java, R, etc. Expert level knowledge of AI/ML models, frameworks(keras, pytorch, etc.) and libraries/packages/apis (e.g., scikit)
• 5+ years of developing models and algorithms independently, writing your own code, developing strategy for algorithmic experimentation, and deploying in production
• Experience with both batch and streaming models in production
• Advanced knowledge of math, probability, statistics, and models
• Experience with Hadoop, AWS or other distributed compute services
• Exposure to data structures, data modeling and software architecture skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills
• Outstanding analytical and problem solving skills
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or similar field

If Verizon and this role sound like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every “even better” qualification listed above.

Where you’ll be working

• In this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes work from home and a minimum eight assigned office days per month that will be set by your manager.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

• 40

Equal Employment Opportunity

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer - and celebrate our employees’ differences, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and Veteran status. At Verizon, we know that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages authenticity and fosters a sense of belonging. We strive for everyone to feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best. Check out our diversity and inclusion page to learn more.