At a Glance
- Tasks: Apply your PhD research to solve real-world ML challenges and innovate with cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Dynamic AI research team focused on impactful machine learning solutions.
- Benefits: Mentorship, collaborative environment, and opportunities for publication and conference attendance.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent growth opportunities and exposure to real-world datasets.
- Why this job: Transition from academia to industry while making a tangible impact in AI.
- Qualifications: PhD in ML or related field, strong ML concepts, and hands-on model implementation experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: London, Paris, Geneva, Zug, Zurich, Milan
Type: Full-time
Overview
We are looking for talented PhD graduates in Machine Learning or related fields to join a research-driven team working on cutting-edge problems at the frontier of AI. This role is designed for candidates transitioning from academia to industry. You will have the opportunity to apply your research expertise to real-world challenges, while continuing to explore novel ideas and contribute to the broader ML community.
What You'll Do
- Apply your PhD research experience to solve complex, real-world problems
- Develop and evaluate machine learning models using modern frameworks
- Explore new methodologies and propose innovative approaches
- Work with large, messy datasets to derive meaningful insights
- Collaborate closely with engineers and researchers to bring ideas into production
- Read, implement, and build upon state-of-the-art academic literature
- Contribute to internal research discussions and, where relevant, external publications
What We're Looking For
- PhD (or close to completion) in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or a related STEM discipline
- Strong understanding of core ML concepts (e.g. optimisation, generalisation, probabilistic modelling)
- Hands‑on experience implementing ML models (typically in Python)
- Familiarity with at least one major ML framework (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX)
- Demonstrated research ability (e.g. thesis work, publications, or impactful projects)
- Curiosity, intellectual independence, and a problem‑solving mindset
Nice to Have
- Publications in conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, or ACL
- Experience in areas such as:
- Deep learning
- Reinforcement learning
- NLP / LLMs
- Computer vision
- Time series or sequential modelling
- Exposure to real-world datasets or applied research problems
- Internships or collaborations outside academia
Why Join
- Opportunity to transition from academic research into industry without losing the research focus
- Work on high-impact problems with tangible outcomes
- Collaborative environment with experienced researchers and engineers
- Scope to continue publishing and attending conferences (where relevant)
- Mentorship and structured growth as you start your industry career
ML Researcher (PhD Entry-level) employer: Selby Jennings
Join a dynamic and innovative team in the heart of Europe, where you can seamlessly transition from academia to industry while maintaining a strong research focus. Our collaborative work culture fosters intellectual independence and problem-solving, allowing you to tackle high-impact challenges in machine learning alongside experienced professionals. With ample opportunities for mentorship, continued publication, and attendance at conferences, this role offers a unique chance to grow your career in a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ML Researcher (PhD Entry-level)
✨Embrace Online Competitions
Get involved in online data science competitions like Kaggle or DrivenData. These platforms not only let you showcase your skills but also help you build a portfolio that stands out to hiring companies like Selby Jennings when you're aiming for that entry-level role.
✨Join Data Science Meetups
Look for local data science meetups or workshops happening in your area. These are perfect for connecting with industry professionals and fellow newbies, giving us the chance to learn the ropes and get our foot in the door at companies like Selby Jennings.
✨Networking Through University Career Services
Don't forget to leverage your university's career services! They often have exclusive internships and networking events specifically for entry-level data science positions. This is a golden opportunity to meet recruiters from companies like Selby Jennings.
✨Spotlight Your Skills Online
Create a strong online presence by sharing your projects and insights on platforms like GitHub or LinkedIn. Make sure to apply directly through Selby Jennings’s career page, where your unique skills can shine in their entry-level data science openings!
We think you need these skills to ace ML Researcher (PhD Entry-level)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Data Skills:As you're aiming for an entry-level data science role at Selby Jennings, don't forget to highlight your proficiency in programming languages like Python or R. Dive into your CV and mention any relevant projects or coursework that demonstrate your data analysis skills or machine learning knowledge.
Include Relevant Projects:If you've done any data-related projects, whether in your studies or during a personal quest, showcase them in a portfolio. This gives us a tangible sense of your capabilities and shows your hands-on experience with data manipulation, visualisation, or model building.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:When crafting your cover letter, make sure to express your enthusiasm for data science and how this role at Selby Jennings aligns with your career goals. Consider sharing why you’re drawn to data-driven decision-making and how you see yourself growing in this field.
Show Your Curiosity:In the data science world, curiosity is key! Mention any online courses or certifications you've pursued that complement your studies. This could be anything from a statistics certification to a data visualisation workshop. It shows us you're serious about learning and growing in this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Selby Jennings
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, the interview may involve some statistical questions or problems. Make sure you're comfortable with concepts like probability, distributions, and hypothesis testing. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your analytical thinking.
✨Get Hands-On with Tools
Familiarise yourself with popular data science tools like Python, R, and SQL. If you're asked about specific projects, be ready to discuss the tools you used and how they contributed to your analysis. Showing that you not only know the theory but can apply it is essential!
✨Showcase Relevant Projects
As an entry-level candidate, your portfolio is crucial. Bring along examples of data projects you've worked on, whether during your studies or personal projects. Discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, highlighting your problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Entry-level interviews in data science often include case studies where you'll have to analyse a dataset or solve a problem on the spot. Try out some practice case studies beforehand, so you're not caught off guard. It's all about displaying your thought process and how you tackle data-driven challenges!
