Senior AI/Machine Learning Researcher

About the role

ESET is hiring a Senior AI/Machine Learning Researcher (m/f/n) for its Incident Creator and AI Research team in Bratislava, within the Technology Division. The team detects malicious activity by combining correlation rules with machine learning models on terabytes of behavioural data, and also builds incident-handling tooling and automation, including potential AI SOC.

Key responsibilities

• Research, experiment and create the best models to evaluate potential incidents, and find AI/ML applications across the incident lifecycle such as signal filtering, incident summarization and mitigation.
• Explore new AI/ML opportunities, evaluate state-of-the-art research and decide what is worth pursuing in the domain.
• Design and run experiments on terabytes of behavioural data (on-premises and cloud), validating ideas on in-house GPU servers before production.
• Challenge existing solutions and decisions, driving critical discussion in the team.
• Collaborate with data collection, security operations and software development to apply AI/ML where it advances real business goals.
• Mentor other researchers and steer the long-term research direction, supporting technical decisions.

Required profile

• Deep understanding of the mathematical and statistical principles behind modern ML/AI methods, with the ability to critically evaluate and adapt models.
• Experience with modern neural network architectures, especially transformers and their variants.
• Strong drive for continuous learning and staying current with state-of-the-art research.
• Ability to work independently across the full research lifecycle, from literature review to production-ready solutions.
• Desirable: university degree in Machine Learning, Data Science, Mathematics or a related technical field; basic understanding of computer and network security.

Required skills

• Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn
• Cloud platforms, AWS preferred
• Big data tools: Hadoop, Spark, Hive, Kafka, MLflow, Kubeflow, Argo, Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins
• Databases: MySQL, Polars, LanceDB, Iceberg

What we offer

• Basic wage from 4,500 EUR gross per month, with possible increase for skills and experience.
• Performance bonus twice a year, up to 15-20% of basic salary.
• Healthcare, multisport card, travel card, supplementary pension saving and family allowances.
• Office refreshments, activity room, loyalty benefits and discounts from external providers.