Research & Development Director, Data Science & AI

Overview:

We are seeking a Director to lead our AI Research & Development Pillar — the engine that brings frontier AI into Maya. This is not a vertical delivery role; it is a research function whose mandate is to identify, adapt, and transform cutting-edge AI advances into high-impact solutions that move the needle for Maya's products, customers, and operations. This leader will bridge the gap between the frontier of academic and industry research and real-world fintech application, building a team that operates at the intersection of rigor and impact.

The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of building and scaling world-class research organizations, setting multi-year technical vision, and influencing at the executive level. They possess deep technical breadth across AI research domains — including LLMs, Audio/Speech AI, Operational Research (Optimization, Decision Science), Causal AI, and Neuro-symbolic AI — and have demonstrated ability to translate frontier AI into measurable business outcomes at scale.

What you will do:

• Define and own the multi-year research strategy and roadmap for the R&D pillar, aligned with Maya's business objectives and AI vision.
• Lead and direct applied research to develop novel algorithms, models, and data-driven solutions that create durable competitive advantages for Maya.
• Lead high-impact, multi-year research programs from inception through measurable business outcomes.
• Translate complex business challenges into advanced AI, mathematical, or optimization formulations with measurable outcomes across lending, fraud, marketing, and intelligent operations.
• Architect end-to-end research solutions from concept through production deployment.
• Act as the principal technical advisor to CTO and executive leadership on AI and optimization strategy across Maya.
• Drive cross-functional initiatives spanning product, engineering, risk, operations, and business teams to ensure research translates into deployed, production-grade solutions.
• Build, lead, and develop a world-class research organization; define hiring strategy, set the technical bar, and grow future research leaders within the team.

What we are looking for:

• PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Operations Research, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, AI, or a related quantitative discipline
• 10+ years of experience in research, machine learning, AI, optimization, or related fields
• 5+ years of experience building and leading high-performing research teams, including people management and organizational development
• Demonstrated record of defining and executing multi-year research strategies with measurable business impact
• Exceptional ability to influence executive stakeholders through technical expertise and thought leadership; publication record or significant research output at recognized AI/ML venues is strongly preferred
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capability
• Strong scientific rigor and research judgment
• Ability to influence executive stakeholders through technical expertise
• Demonstrated ability to shape organizational strategy through innovation and thought leadership