Lead AI Research

Cisco

. Lead and direct AI research teams planning, executing, and analyzing cutting-edge initiatives .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeSan Jose • California • United StatesSenior💰 $216,300 - $280,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading AI research initiatives, focusing on representation learning, structured prediction, and advanced AI techniques. Proven ability to translate business needs into actionable research strategies while ensuring compliance with ethical standards and governance frameworks.

Highest-signal resume keywords

AI Research LeadershipRepresentation LearningStructured PredictionTransfer LearningGenerative Models

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Artificial IntelligenceMachine LearningDeep Learning ArchitecturesData GovernanceEthical AI StandardsNetworkingCybersecurityNatural Language ProcessingResearch StrategyPerformance Validation

Soft Skills

MentoringCollaborationCoachingCommunicationLeadership

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer ScienceBachelor’s Degree in Artificial IntelligenceBachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning

Industry Keywords

AI Community EngagementEnterprise ProductsResearch PrototypesIntellectual Property ProtectionRegulatory Compliance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and direct AI research teams planning, executing, and analyzing cutting-edge initiatives
Advance AI research across networking, security, programming, human-computer interaction, and related computer science domains
Guide foundational AI representations using representation learning and structured prediction techniques
Define and own long-term research strategy, methodologies, and priorities
Partner with Product Management, Engineering, and Design to translate business needs into AI research roadmaps
Track emerging AI trends and incorporate transfer learning, generative models, large language models, and structured predictions into research strategies and prototypes
Translate research outcomes into production-ready solutions
Partner with engineering teams to operationalize models, validate performance at scale, and integrate AI capabilities into enterprise products
Mentor, coach, and develop AI research talent
Establish standards for ethical AI, responsible model development, data governance, privacy, and security
Ensure research complies with enterprise governance frameworks and regulatory requirements
Represent Cisco in the AI community through publications, conferences, and external partnerships
Protect intellectual property and contribute to AI thought leadership

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field
8+ years of relevant industry research experience
Experience leading or conducting advanced AI research
Expertise in representation learning, structured prediction, or deep learning architectures
Experience applying transfer learning, generative models, or other advanced AI techniques to complex problems in networking, security, or human-computer interaction
Experience collaborating with Product Management, Engineering, and Design stakeholders
Experience translating business objectives into actionable AI research roadmaps
Documented experience ensuring AI research adheres to ethical standards, data privacy, and security governance protocols
Preferred: deep technical knowledge of network topologies, cybersecurity architectures, or large-scale natural language processing
Preferred: experience managing a research team of 5+ members, including long-term strategy and budgets or resource allocation
Preferred: experience transitioning research prototypes into production-grade enterprise solutions
Preferred: ability to apply techniques across disparate domains

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available, subject to continued employment
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid birthday day off
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid personal wellness days
16 paid vacation days per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Flexible vacation time off program for exempt employees
80 hours of sick time on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies
Performance-based incentive pay for employees on sales plans
Opportunities for growth and professional development through Cisco’s global network