Director, ML Research

Director of Machine Learning
Director, ML Research
AI Research | Montreal

Kadence Talent is partnering with an independent, well-funded AI research organization to appoint a Director of Machine Learning in Montreal.

The organization is building a new research and engineering team around an ambitious long-term technical agenda. This is an opportunity to join at a formative stage, help shape how the team operates and contribute to work intended to advance the reliability and capabilities of future AI systems.

The Director will lead a multidisciplinary group of research scientists and ML engineers. This is not a purely managerial role. The successful person will remain closely involved in the technical work, contributing at the whiteboard, challenging research decisions and helping turn open-ended scientific questions into clear programs and measurable progress.

The role will include:
Leading and developing a team spanning ML research and engineering
Translating the broader scientific direction into structured research programs
Remaining actively involved in technical discussions, experimentation and decision-making
Creating clarity and momentum in an early-stage environment where priorities will continue to evolve
Hiring and developing researchers, engineers and future technical leaders
Improving collaboration between research and engineering
Helping establish the culture, processes and technical standards required as the organization grows

We’re looking for someone with:
A strong technical background in machine learning, ideally with experience across NLP, language models or related areas
Several years of genuine people-management experience within a research or advanced ML environment
Experience leading both research scientists and engineers, or working effectively across the two disciplines
The technical credibility to engage deeply with senior researchers and guide complex scientific work
A track record of developing people and building effective technical teams
Comfort working through ambiguity without needing a highly structured corporate environment
A low-ego, hands-on leadership style and genuine motivation for the organization’s mission

The likely fit is someone operating at Director level today or an experienced Senior Manager ready to step into broader leadership. More senior candidates may also be considered if they remain technically engaged and are motivated by the substance of the work rather than title or organizational scale.

Location
The role is based in Montreal. Candidates already in the region are preferred, although relocation support and a reasonable transition period can be considered for someone committed to moving.