Research Director, Machine Learning

Job Description

RBC Borealis is looking for an experienced Director to lead a team of machine learning researchers and research engineers delivering cutting-edge applied AI solutions for the financial services industry. As a Director of Machine Learning Research, you'll provide strategic leadership and direction to drive the effectiveness of your team, enabling them to deliver high-value business outcomes through advanced machine learning, statistical modeling, and data-driven innovation.

You'll be part of a collaborative organization working directly with leading researchers in machine learning, with access to rich and massive datasets and computational resources that support cutting-edge ML R&D.
 

Your responsibilities include:

• Research Leadership. Develop and productize innovative machine learning approaches and novel intellectual property, driving business impact through applied research in optimization, causal inference, and advanced statistical methods;
• Team Leadership. Lead a team of researchers and research engineers who contribute to high-value AI solutions across multiple business initiatives, ensuring technical excellence and successful delivery;
• Stakeholder Engagement. Engage with business partners to define machine learning solutions that meet business needs, working closely with stakeholders to understand requirements and develop effective solutions;
• Technical Guidance. Provide technical leadership and scientific guidance to applied research projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation in areas such as A/B testing, causal inference, model optimization, and performance trade-offs;
• Thought Leadership. Establish RBC Borealis as a thought leader in applied machine learning research, contributing to the company's reputation through publications, talks, and industry engagement.
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You're our ideal candidate if you have:

• A Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, or a related technical field;
• 10+ years of experience leading high-impact machine learning solutions in a product-centric environment;
• 5+ years of experience managing high-performing teams of researchers, data scientists, and engineers;
• Proven expertise across the research and development lifecycle, from prototyping to production, with strong ability to engage stakeholders;
• Deep expertise in machine learning, statistics, and data science with experience in optimization, A/B testing, and causal inference;
• A history of high-quality academic publications at top-tier conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, etc.);
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to translate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
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What's in it for you?

• Lead a team that thinks progressively and works collaboratively. We care about seeing each other reach full potential;
• Lead cutting-edge work in applied machine learning research with access to significant computational resources;
• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock options where applicable;
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact from a local-to-global scale.

About the AI Group:
RBC's AI Group is the AI accelerator for RBC, with a focus on driving the shift from early-stage AI projects to scaled, client outcomes that amplify the impact of RBC's people. In addition to helping scale the biggest AI opportunities at RBC, the AI Group is responsible for advancing research into emerging use cases across generative and agentic AI, while maintaining expertise in security, responsible AI and regulatory expectations. The Business Enablement function within the AI Group partners with LOBs and Functions to set AI ambition, originate transformation opportunities, and frame programs for delivery — ensuring RBC remains at the frontier of AI-enabled value creation.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

RBC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status, Aboriginal/Native American status or any other legally-protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

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Job Skills

Budgeting, Business Analytics, Business Process Design, Conflict Management, Effectiveness Measurement, Group Problem Solving, Industry Knowledge, Interpersonal Relationships, Oral Communications, Research and Development Operations

Additional Job Details

Address:

777 BAY ST, TH 27:TORONTO

City:

Toronto

Country:

Canada

Work hours/week:

37.5

Employment Type:

Full time

Platform:

TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Type:

Salaried

Posted Date:

2026-07-17

Application Deadline:

2026-08-17

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

Our Employment Opportunities

At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.

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RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.