Cisco

AI Researcher Hybrid

Cisco$199K — $254K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years or Master's with 4 years of related experience
  • Experience in designing and executing AI research initiatives
  • Proficiency in AI/ML frameworks and Python for model development
  • Ability to lead cross-functional projects linking business needs to research goals
  • Strong skills in delivering technical presentations to diverse stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end AI research initiatives from planning to prototype implementation
  • Define and manage research roadmaps aligned with business objectives
  • Utilize advanced AI tools to build and iterate on solutions
  • Evaluate emerging AI technologies for optimization of research processes
  • Synthesize complex data to identify actionable insights and influence strategy
  • Collaborate with teams to address business challenges and manage risks
  • Mentor peers and share knowledge in internal and external forums

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
  • Engagement in high-impact projects within the AI domain
  • Collaboration with a diverse range of cross-functional teams
  • Exposure to the latest AI technologies and methodologies
  • Participation in industry-leading AI conferences
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 07/06/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Your Impact

Plans, conducts, analyzes, and shares research that advances the field of AI, as it relates to networking, security, programming, human-computer interaction, or other strategic areas in computer science. Utilizes expertise in AI and research methodologies to develop research plans, build models, run experiments, and provide models and solutions to relevant teams. Serves as research strategy liaison to engineers and product managers and works collaboratively with product management, engineering, and design teams to identify business and AI research goals. Summarizes and communicates results to all relevant partners and stakeholders to influence decisions.

Core Responsibilities

1. Research Strategy and Execution
  • Lead and execute end-to-end AI research initiatives, from long-term planning and proposal development to the design and implementation of experiments and prototypes.
  • Define and manage research roadmaps, ensuring alignment with business objectives and project complexity.

2. AI Technical Development and Innovation
  • Utilize advanced AI tools, models, and data structures to build, train, and iterate on solutions.
  • Identify and evaluate emerging AI technologies and methodologies to optimize research processes and solve novel business problems.
  • Apply rigorous ethical standards to all research approaches and technical deployments.

3. Data Synthesis and Strategic Insights
  • Synthesize complex data across multiple studies and customer journeys to uncover actionable themes and insights.
  • Conduct meta-analyses to identify broader connections, providing data-driven recommendations that directly influence product decisions and strategy.


4. Collaboration and Influence
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to understand business challenges, develop hypotheses, and manage risk.
  • Lead collaboration sessions and communicate research outcomes through structured presentations, scientific papers, and patent filings.


5. Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing
  • Serve as a subject matter expert, mentoring peers and interns while providing guidance to less-experienced colleagues.
  • Represent Cisco by sharing research perspectives and industry breakthroughs in internal forums and at top-tier AI conferences.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's and 5 years of related experience, or Masters + 4 years of related experience
  • Experience designing, executing, and leading end-to-end AI research initiatives, including the development of research roadmaps and experimental prototypes
  • Experience with AI/ML frameworks and experience in Python for building, training, and evaluating models
  • Experience leading cross-functional projects to translate business problems into technical research goals
  • Demonstrated ability to independently structure and deliver technical presentations to diverse audiences, including executive stakeholders and technical peers.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Deep understanding of network protocols, cybersecurity architectures, or cloud-native infrastructure, and the ability to apply AI/ML to solve problems within these specific domains.
  • Experience in designing AI-driven interfaces or conducting user-centric research to improve the usability and adoption of complex technical solutions.
  • Experience in fine-tuning, evaluating, and deploying Large Language Models (LLMs) or generative architectures for enterprise-scale applications.
  • Experience in MLOps pipelines (e.g., Kubeflow, MLflow) and experience deploying AI models into production environments at scale.
  • Ability to proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with AI deployment, including bias, data privacy, and security vulnerabilities.
  • Track record of leadership in industry research forums, including serving as a program committee member or reviewer for top-tier AI conferences.

About Cisco

Cisco Careers

Join the vibrant team at Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, where innovation and leadership thrive. Cisco offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences, making it an ideal place for both seasoned professionals and those seeking an internship to jumpstart their career. Work You’ll Do At Cisco, you’ll be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in work that matters with a team that combines technology, creativity, and the power of human connection to redefine networking. Cisco’s commitment to innovation isn’t just about technology, but also about transforming the way we work and collaborate. Cisco’s employment philosophy supports career advancement and nurtures a leadership pipeline that is equipped with diversity training and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re applying your skills to drive our latest innovations or using our vast networking capabilities to solve complex problems, at Cisco, every role is impactful. Join Our Dynamic Team Explore job opportunities in areas ranging from engineering to marketing, sales to cybersecurity. Cisco is hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. Positions at Cisco offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Cisco internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build professional networks that last a lifetime. Our internships provide hands-on experience and the chance to work on projects that matter. Leadership and Development Cisco is committed to fostering leadership skills and providing employees with the training needed to succeed. Our leadership programs help you develop new skills, manage teams effectively, and lead with confidence. Cisco’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career path is as dynamic as our technologies. Benefits and Culture Cisco understands the importance of a balanced life. Our benefits package is designed to ensure that our team members are healthy, happy, and secure. At Cisco, you’ll find a supportive culture that encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. Stay Connected Join Cisco’s Talent Network Stay informed about new positions that match your skills and interests. At Cisco, we value the curiosity and unique perspectives of our team members. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly from our hiring managers. Explore Cisco Jobs Ready to advance your career at Cisco? Search open positions, prepare your resume, and get ready for an interview that could lead to your next big opportunity. At Cisco, we’re not just filling positions—we’re investing in leaders. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at Cisco.
Learn more about Cisco
Size
79,500 employees
Market Cap
$194.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Cisco

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar AI Researcher Hybrid jobs: