Senior Data Scientist - AI R&D - Machine Learning | Tokyo

Are you an experienced Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, or AI Research Specialist looking to advance your career in artificial intelligence and advanced analytics in Tokyo?

A leading global consulting and professional services firm is seeking a Senior Data Scientist - AI Research & Development (R&D) to join its advanced analytics laboratory and Center of Excellence (CoE) in Tokyo.

This opportunity combines AI research, machine learning, applied data science, and advanced analytics consulting, enabling you to develop innovative solutions for complex business challenges across multiple industries.

Working alongside internationally recognized data scientists, researchers, and technical specialists, you will transform business problems into sophisticated analytical models and practical solutions.

Your work will cover advanced technologies such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs), Computer Vision, Causal Inference, Reinforcement Learning, Optimization, and Time Series Analysis.

You will play an important role in translating cutting-edge academic research into real-world applications, leading rapid prototyping initiatives and developing new approaches to enterprise data science challenges.

Unlike conventional data analytics roles focused primarily on reporting and dashboards, this position emphasizes AI innovation, algorithm development, experimentation, and research-driven problem-solving.

You will also have opportunities to stay connected with the international AI research community through academic societies, conferences, and ongoing investigation of emerging technologies.

This position is ideal for professionals with strong Python programming, machine learning, quantitative research, and applied AI development skills who want to work in a collaborative, research-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Data Science & AI Research: Develop innovative data science solutions using state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms, statistical methods, and advanced analytical techniques.
• Business Problem Definition: Collaborate with business stakeholders to identify complex challenges and translate them into clearly defined technical and analytical problems.
• Machine Learning Model Development: Design, build, evaluate, and refine sophisticated predictive and analytical models to solve real-world business problems.
• Natural Language Processing & LLMs: Explore and apply NLP techniques and large language models to develop intelligent solutions for enterprise applications.
• Computer Vision & Image Analytics: Develop analytical approaches using computer vision and image processing techniques where relevant to client business challenges.
• Causal Inference & Statistical Modeling: Apply causal inference, statistical analysis, and experimental approaches to understand relationships, evaluate interventions, and support data-driven decisions.
• Reinforcement Learning & Optimization: Investigate advanced optimization and reinforcement learning methods to address complex decision-making and operational challenges.
• Time Series Analysis & Forecasting: Develop forecasting models and analytical techniques to identify trends and support business planning.
• Research-Driven Solution Development: Translate recent academic findings and emerging AI methodologies into practical, high-impact business applications.
• Rapid Prototyping & Experimentation: Lead the design and development of functional prototypes to validate new algorithms, analytical approaches, and technology concepts.
• End-to-End Data Analysis: Manage data acquisition, preprocessing, exploratory data analysis, visualization, model development, and interpretation of analytical results.
• AI R&D Project Leadership: Drive research and development initiatives across emerging technologies, identifying opportunities for innovative enterprise solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with data scientists, researchers, consultants, engineers, and business stakeholders to develop and communicate analytical solutions.
• Technical Communication & Knowledge Sharing: Present complex data science findings and technical concepts in a clear, actionable manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Global AI Research Monitoring: Track emerging developments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics through international conferences, academic societies, and technical research communities.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Economics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• At least 3 years of hands-on professional experience in one or more of the following technical areas:

• Machine Learning (ML) and predictive modeling.
• Mathematical Optimization and advanced analytical methods.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Computer Vision and image analytics.
• Causal Inference and statistical modeling.
• Reinforcement Learning (RL).
• Time Series Analysis and forecasting.
• At least 3 consecutive years of professional Python development experience, with demonstrated ability to implement analytical models and data science solutions.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end data processing workflows, including data collection, exploratory analysis, visualization, interpretation, and solution prototyping.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis, machine learning methodologies, and quantitative problem-solving.
• Experience developing functional prototypes or analytical solutions to validate new technical approaches.
• Ability to translate complex business requirements into technical specifications, analytical questions, and practical data science solutions.
• Demonstrated capability to interpret analytical findings and communicate their business implications effectively.

Soft Skills:

• Strong intellectual curiosity and research-oriented mindset, with enthusiasm for exploring emerging AI technologies and analytical methodologies.
• Proactive approach to investigating, experimenting with, and applying the latest developments in artificial intelligence and data science.
• Excellent analytical thinking and structured problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to communicate sophisticated technical concepts clearly to both technical specialists and business stakeholders.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills when working with researchers, consultants, engineers, and enterprise business teams.
• Creativity and adaptability when developing innovative approaches to complex analytical challenges.
• High level of ownership, independence, and initiative in managing research and development activities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to analytical rigor, reproducibility, and high-quality technical outcomes.
• Ability to work effectively in an internationally diverse, collaborative research environment.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Native-level or fully fluent proficiency for communication with domestic business stakeholders, consulting teams, and enterprise clients.
• English: Business-level proficiency for daily collaboration with international data scientists, researchers, and global technical teams.
• Bilingual Japanese-English communication skills are required to support cross-border research collaboration and business engagement.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience applying software engineering best practices to data science and AI development projects.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems, automated testing, quality assurance, pull requests, and peer code reviews.
• Hands-on experience deploying analytical models, machine learning applications, or data pipelines on AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Experience working in management consulting, technology consulting, professional services, or enterprise advisory environments.
• Previous experience managing direct engagements with external corporate clients or enterprise stakeholders.
• Academic research contributions, including peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, or presentations at domestic or international academic conferences.
• Experience translating academic research findings into practical AI prototypes or commercial applications.
• Exposure to multidisciplinary research projects involving data scientists, software engineers, consultants, and domain experts.
• Familiarity with emerging developments in Generative AI, LLM applications, advanced machine learning, and applied AI research.

About the Company

Our client is a leading global professional services and consulting firm recognized for its multidisciplinary expertise in business transformation, strategic advisory, and advanced technology innovation.

The organization supports enterprise clients across a wide range of industries, combining business consulting capabilities with sophisticated data science, artificial intelligence, and engineering expertise.

Its advanced analytics and AI research function operates within an international Center of Excellence (CoE) environment, bringing together experienced researchers, data scientists, and technology specialists.

The team focuses on applying machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, statistical modeling, optimization, and emerging AI technologies to solve complex enterprise challenges.

Rather than limiting its work to established analytical techniques, the organization encourages exploration of cutting-edge academic research, innovative algorithms, and rapid prototyping to develop differentiated client solutions.

The collaborative research environment provides opportunities to work with internationally diverse technical professionals while maintaining close connections to global AI and advanced analytics developments.

Employees also benefit from structured professional development initiatives, including global and regional training programs designed to support continuous learning and technical specialization.

For data science professionals seeking to combine academic research, applied AI development, and enterprise consulting, this position offers a distinctive opportunity to build technical expertise while contributing to meaningful business innovation.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Annual Compensation: Earn ¥8 million-¥11 million annually in a permanent Senior Data Scientist position in Tokyo.
• Performance-Based Bonuses: Benefit from a compensation structure that includes performance-related bonus opportunities.
• World-Class AI Research Environment: Work alongside experienced international data scientists and researchers within an advanced AI R&D Center of Excellence.
• Cutting-Edge Machine Learning Projects: Explore and apply NLP, LLMs, Computer Vision, Causal Inference, Reinforcement Learning, and Optimization to challenging business problems.
• Research-to-Application Opportunities: Translate advanced academic research into practical analytical models and enterprise AI prototypes.
• Autonomy & Innovation: Enjoy opportunities to investigate emerging technologies, test new algorithms, and propose innovative technical solutions.
• International Collaboration: Work with globally diverse researchers, consultants, and technical specialists in a collaborative environment.
• Cross-Industry Exposure: Develop AI and advanced analytics solutions for enterprise clients across multiple industries.
• Continuous Professional Development: Access dedicated global and regional training programs to strengthen your technical capabilities and stay current with emerging AI technologies.
• Academic & Industry Engagement: Stay connected with international AI research developments through conferences, academic societies, and technical communities.
• Comprehensive Employee Benefits: Enjoy a benefits package that includes a cafeteria-style benefits plan and corporate pension scheme.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from standard business hours and policies designed to support a sustainable working environment.
• Flexible Working Options: Access flextime arrangements for eligible employee grades, subject to company policy.
• Extensive Leave Programs: Take advantage of comprehensive leave benefits that support personal and professional well-being.
• Global Consulting Career Development: Build expertise in AI research, applied machine learning, advanced analytics, and technology consulting within a respected international professional services organization.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!