Senior Research Scientist (Applied Research - Agentic AI, SLMs & GenAI Research)

TL;DR

Senior Research Scientist (Applied Research - Agentic AI, SLMs & GenAI Research) (GenAI/Agentic AI): Researching agentic AI capabilities and Small Language Models (SLMs) with an accent on experimentation, modeling strategy, validation methods, and maturing approaches beyond proof of concept toward robust, reusable patterns. Focus on designing rigorous experiments and evaluating novel AI system behavior while translating research directions into realistic, transferable solutions.

Location: Madrid/Barcelona/Valladolid, Spain

Salary: EUR 55,300 - EUR 65,000 yearly

Company

hirify.global is a consumer intelligence company delivering insights into consumer buying behavior and market trends using advanced analytics and AI/ML.

What you will do

• Research agentic AI capabilities and SLM-based solutions, focusing on experimentation and validation.
• Develop modeling strategy and evaluate multi-step reasoning, tool use, orchestration, and workflow-based model behavior.
• Fine-tune and adapt small language models for targeted system behaviors.
• Design rigorous experiments to assess novel AI system behavior and drive approaches beyond early PoCs.
• Collaborate with applied ML/AI research stakeholders to ensure promising directions remain realistic and transferable.

Requirements

• Strong background in applied machine learning / AI research.
• Deep hands-on experience with GenAI systems and architectures.
• Experience with Small Language Model (SLM) fine-tuning and adaptation.
• Strong understanding of agentic AI concepts (multi-step reasoning, tool use, orchestration/workflow-based behavior).
• Ability to design rigorous experiments and evaluate novel AI system behavior.
• English communication skills to engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Experience with scalable AI/ML system design and implementation realities.
• Deployment-oriented thinking for GenAI solutions.
• Experience building or evaluating multi-component AI systems beyond single-model use cases.
• Exposure to model efficiency, optimization, or performance trade-offs.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working environment.
• Volunteer time off.
• LinkedIn Learning access.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Hybrid work arrangement.

Hiring process

• Recruitment may use AI tools for résumé screening, assessments, interview scheduling, and job matching, with human oversight for final decisions.
• Interviews include evaluation of technical fit and communication with stakeholders.