Senior Applied AI Researcher (On-site)
About Translated
Translated is a leading company in AI-enabled translation services. We are on a mission to allow everyone to understand and be understood in their own language.
To make this possible, we combine proprietary translation AI (Lara Translate) with advanced text, audio, and video translation technologies (Matecat, Matesub, and Matedub) and the world’s largest network of vetted, native-speaking language professionals.
At Translated, we’re proud to be among the more committed investors in applied AI research. We’ve been pioneering AI for translation since 1999, introducing adaptive AI in 2011 to promote human-AI symbiosis, and have been using the Transformer architecture since its introduction in 2017. We’re now leading the EU-backed research project DVPS to provide our AI with a grounded understanding through direct interaction with the physical world.
We train our models on a unique dataset built over 15 years of translations produced by AI and finalized by professional translators, with explanations of the reasons behind their translation choices. This approach reflects on Lara, an AI model specific to translation capable of reasoning and requiring human intervention to disambiguate.
We’re looking for a Senior Applied AI Researcher to take a key role in the Lara Applied Research team in our HQ in Rome.
This role is for you if you are passionate about applied LLM research and thrive on moving fast. You will be responsible for the whole experimental cycle: from rapidly designing and planning novel experiments that adapt the latest breakthroughs in the LLM landscape to meticulously evaluating their impact on our model quality. You will lead and conduct large-scale, distributed LLM training, serving as a critical driver in our effort to reach the 'language singularity', when a top professional translator will spend the same amount of time reviewing a translation provided by an AI as one by a peer that doesn’t need any editing.
Responsibilities
- Product-driven research: apply the latest research to improve the quality of our Translation AI solution and make an impact on our latest product.
- Autonomously manage projects, from planning to deployment, providing key insights and technical directions.
- Utilize an HPC cluster for scalable, multi-node training tasks to accelerate model development and quickly evaluate research ideas.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of product owners, designers, developers and system administrators.
- Participate in continuous learning opportunities to stay ahead in the fast-evolving field of AI and Translation.
Requirements
- MSc in machine learning or a related field and 3+ years of industry/research experience (a PhD is considered equivalent).
- Proven experience in fine-tuning Large Language Models using distributed training frameworks and libraries (e.g., DeepSpeed, FSDP, Transformers).
- Proficiency in Python and experience with at least one deep learning framework (e.g., PyTorch).
- Proactive, self-driven and enjoys solving complex problems, not just in the primary area of responsibility but across boundaries.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the capacity to convey technical concepts to non-expert audiences.
- Ability to iterate quickly and make decisions based on results and data analytics.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing Translation models is a strong plus.
- Experience with modern LLM alignment techniques, such as Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), DPO, and GRPO.
- Experience with job scheduling and workload management systems, particularly Slurm.
Headquarter
Translated is hosted at Pi Campus, a working environment immersed in nature where 7 luxury villas have been converted into functional offices to foster talent growth. Pi Campus is also a venture firm created by Translated to invest in applied AI startups.
Benefits and Perks
At Translated, we see our people as athletes, and Pi Campus as the place where they can reach their full potential. This vibrant environment fosters talent aggregation and continuous growth of mind, body, and spirit.
We nurture and support the team’s personal and professional development every day through growth-oriented initiatives like personalized learning paths and networking events with industry leaders, health-oriented initiatives like massages, sauna, and workouts in our gym and swimming pool, as well as relaxation rooms, open meeting rooms, a cafeteria, and fully equipped kitchens in every villa. In case of need, every team member has access to psychological, legal, and financial support.
Learn more about our company: https://translated.com/work-at-translated-onboarding.
Diversity statement
At Translated, we proudly embrace and celebrate each individual's unique qualities to our team, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other differences. We recognize that these diverse perspectives empower us to overcome challenges, foster innovation, and drive excellence. As an inclusive and equal-opportunity employer, we are committed to cultivating an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported to achieve their full potential.