Research Scientist IV: Generative AI

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Job Description 

Visa Research conducts applied and fundamental research and was created to lead the company in pushing the boundaries of payment related technologies on a global scale. We engage with the company's numerous technology and product teams, world-wide business partners, academics, and governments, to explore and develop technologies that will shape the future of the payments industry and impact the lives of billions of people.   

The Research Scientist IV will work with a growing team to advance the long-term research agenda in artificial intelligence and machine learning to extract actionable insights from transaction data, as well as deliver innovative technologies and insights to Visa's strategic products and business. This role represents an exciting opportunity to make key contributions to Visa's strategic vision as a world-leading data-driven company. The successful candidate must have strong academic track record and demonstrate excellent software engineering skills. The successful candidate will be a self-starter comfortable with ambiguity, with strong attention to detail, and excellent collaboration skills. 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead research projects in the area of generative AI, scalable AI, and foundation models 

• Develop innovative approaches and models to address complex problems in generative AI 

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design and implement scalable AI solutions 

• Mentor and guide junior researchers, providing technical expertise and guidance 

• Stay abreast of the latest research trends, publications, and advancements in the field 

• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals 

• Collaborate with industry partners and academic institutions to foster research collaborations 

• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through patent filings 

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

Basic Qualifications: 

• PhD in Computer Science, Operations Research, Statistics, or highly quantitative field with strength in Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Statistical or other mathematical analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Extensive experience in machine learning, deep learning, and generative models 
• Strong publication record in top-tier conferences and journals 
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and expertise in deep learning frameworks and large language models
• Proven track record of leading research projects and delivering innovative solutions 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team
• Experience in payments or related industry is a plus. 

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 161,500.00 to 234,250.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.