Director - Principal Research Scientist – Ai & Optimization

At Franklin Templeton were driving our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals Our dynamic and diversified firm spans asset management wealth management and fintech offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise thats both broad and unique From our welcoming inclusive and flexible culture to our global and diverse business we offer opportunities not only to help you reach your potential but also to contribute to our clients achievements Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world This is a HYBRID position currently requiring 3 days per week in one of our offices - NYC San Ramon Stamford Ft Lauderdale or St Petersburg FL What is the FTT AI Digital Transformation Team responsible forThe FTT AI Digital Transformation group is a newly established team within Franklin Templeton Technologies the technology function within Franklin Templeton InvestmentsWhat is the Principal Research Scientist AI Optimization responsible forThe core mandate of this role is to bring innovative digital investment products and solutions to market leveraging a patented and innovative digital WealthTech FinTech product - Goals Optimization Engine GOE - built with several years of academic research in mathematical optimization probability theory and AI techniques at its core The mandate also extends to leveraging cutting edge AI such as Generative AI in addition to Reactive AI to create value within various business functions within Franklin Templeton such as Investment Solutions Portfolio Management Sales Distribution Marketing and HR functions among others in a responsible and appropriate manner The possibilities are limitless here and present a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated and driven professional to make significant contributions to the organization and to themselves What are the ongoing responsibilities of a Principal Research Scientist AI OptimizationAs a Principal Research Scientist - AI and Optimization you will play a pivotal role in driving innovation product research and proof of concepts for our AI research and Goals Optimization Engine GOE product roadmap You will be responsible for mentoring and guiding a team of highly motivated research scientists creating intellectual property and ensuring successful client deployments and product development Key Responsibilities Innovation Product Research Proof of Concepts Pseudocode Design 40 Lead and contribute to the multi-year Goals Optimization Engine GOE product roadmap conceptualizing fitment against various industry use cases creating product variants and designing new features and enhancements across multiple distribution lines and geographiesMentor and guide a team of research scientists to achieve common objectivesServe as the Subject Matter Expert SME for a specific domain within AI and or Optimization acting as the go-to person for all internal stakeholdersDevelop pseudocode and working prototypes in a Python environment collaborating closely with Product Managers and Product DevelopersCreate well-articulated design documents and presentations to explain research to internal and external stakeholders including clients and partners located globallyLead industry research and evaluate partnerships with third-party vendors and specialized service providers where appropriateMaintain a thorough understanding of boundary conditions regulatory environments data challenges technology integrations algorithmic dependencies and operational process nuances to ensure nothing slips through the cracksStay up to date with the latest developments in the Investment Management industry Financial Mathematics Portfolio Construction and Portfolio ManagementIP Creation Paper Writing and Thought Leadership 30 Conceptualize and produce high-quality intellectual property for publication in top-tier academic and practitioner journalsPeer-review the work of other research scientists and improve the outcome of their research outputCreate patent-worthy intellectual content apply for patents and win themTake responsibility for winning industry awards for exceptional product research and innovative work productsStay informed about the latest industry research and evaluate it objectively and in an unbiased mannerPublish research works for conferencesClient Deployment Product Development and Vendor Due Diligence 30 Act as the SME in initial client deployment discussions showcasing the rigor of research explaining the product or solution concept and engaging in discussions with similar individuals teams from the client partner sideContribute to product development by ensuring alignment with research and designProvide hands-on support where required to complete time-critical work successfullyEngage with third-party vendors and potential integration partners to understand their capabilities methodologies and algorithms and perform rigorous due diligence to make clear recommendations on Go No-Go decisionsWhat ideal qualifications skills experience would help someone to be successfulEducation Bachelor s and Master s degree in STEM disciplines a PhD in a relevant discipline Optimization Probability Quant Finance AI ML Computational Mathematics Statistics etc would be a Relevant industry certificationsExperience - Core Skills 10 years of applied R D experience in research departments of reputed organizations post-Masters or PhDTrack record of real innovation generating impact is essentialDemonstrated ability to create intellectual content publish papers and obtain patentsAbility to effectively bridge the gap between academia and practice ensuring research is practical and implementableStructured thinking and exceptional mathematical skillsExcellent team player with the ability to work with ambiguity and thrive in chaosFamiliarity with ML DL DRL NLP especially Large Language Models dynamic programming and or convex optimizationSolid experience with AWS and or AzureFamiliar with Python PySpark SQL Hadoop C Experience - Other Soft Skills Proven ability to take initiative and work under pressure in a changing fast paced environmentExceptional decision-making skills with the ability to prioritize across needs given limited resourcesThrives in a startup-like environment loves dealing with a fast pace and changing needsAbility to build relationships both inside and outside of the product organizationAbility to narrate a story for a problem along with the capacity to dive into minute detailsSuperlative communication and consensus-building skillsFranklin Templeton offers employees a competitive and valuable range of total rewardsxe2x80x94monetary and non-monetary xe2x80x94 designed to support their well-being and recognize their time talents and results Along with base compensation employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus a 401 k plan with a generous match and recognition rewards We also offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes a range of competitive healthcare options insurance and disability benefits employee stock investment program learning resources career development programs reimbursement for certain education expenses paid time off vacation holidays sick leave parental caregiving leave bereavement volunteering floating holidays and a motivational wellbeing program We expect the annual salary for this position to range between 190 000 - 250 000 depending on location and level of relevant experience LI-Hybrid DIRECTORExperience our welcoming culture and reach your professional and personal potential Our culture is shaped by our diverse global workforce and strongly held core values Regardless of your interests lifestyle or background theres a place for you at Franklin Templeton We provide employees with the tools resources and learning opportunities to help them excel in their career and personal life By joining us you will become part of a culture that focuses on employee well-being and provides multidimensional support for a positive and healthy lifestyle We understand that benefits are at the core of employee well-being and may vary depending on individual needs Whether you need support for maintaining your physical and mental health saving for lifes adventures taking care of your family members or making a positive impact in your community we aim to have your needs covered Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton Highlights of our benefits include Three weeks paid time off the first yearMedical dental and vision insurance401 k Retirement Plan with a generous company match on your pre-tax and or Roth contributions up to the IRS limitsEmployee Stock Investment ProgramReimbursement for certain education expensesPurchase of company funds with no sales chargeOnsite fitness center and recreation center Onsite cafeteria Only applicable at certain locationsFranklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and existing employees and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry age color disability genetic information gender gender identity or gender expression marital status medical condition military or veteran status national origin race religion sex sexual orientation and any other basis protected by federal state or local law ordinance or regulation Franklin Templeton is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment If you believe that you need an accommodation or adjustment to search for or apply for one of our positions please send an email to In your email please include the accommodation or adjustment you are requesting the job title and the job number you are applying for It may take up to three business days to receive a response to your request Please note that only accommodation requests will receive a response