Lead AI Scientist

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you'll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS.
What you'll do:

• Design, implement, and optimize LLM architectures, including small language models (SLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and transformer-based systems.
• Fine-tune and customize pretrained LLMs for domain-specific applications and enterprise-scale use cases.
• Architect Agentic AI systems capable of autonomous decision-making, reasoning, and adaptive interaction across workflows.
• Work closely with AI clients on their solutions both on AI engagements and as part of a broader engagements
• Work with EC colleagues, ADS track members, and broader ZS client teams in delivery
• Develop your own expertise in AI, pursing a path of internal and external thought leadership
• Mentor junior AI team members on their technical skills and expertise
• Help grow the AI EC to build an amazing team of deep AI experts

What you'll bring:

• 5+ years of experience building and deploying AI/ML solutions
• Bachelor's Degree or higher in AI, Data Science, Computer Science or related major
• In-depth experience with LLM fine-tuning, Transformer architectures, and Generative AI frameworks.
• Proficiency in RAG design, prompt engineering, and SLM integration strategies.
• Strong programming proficiency (Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar).
• Understanding of modern AI infrastructure (e.g., distributed training, GPU optimization, MLOps for LLMs).
• Familiarity with evaluation metrics for generative systems and conversational agents.
• Experience integrating GenAI systems into enterprise or production-grade applications.
• Awareness of data privacy, governance, and compliance in AI-driven environments.

How you'll grow:

• Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Hybrid working model:
ZS is committed to a Flexible and Connected way of working. ZSers are onsite at clients or ZS offices three days a week. Combined flexibility to work remotely two days a week is also available. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
Perks & Benefits:
ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package including health and well-being, financial planning, annual leave, personal growth and professional development. Our robust skills development programs, multiple career progression options and internal mobility paths and collaborative culture empowers you to thrive as an individual and global team member.
We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
Travel:
Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.
Considering applying?
At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems-the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.
If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.
ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.
To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment.An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.
NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.
Find Out More At:
www.zs.com