Senior Research Specialist (Agentic AI Systems)

University of Illinois Chicago•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is a principal contributor in developing specific research project requirements and is responsible for all aspects of the project from development through delivery. Perform complex study and data collection methods. May coordinate and direct the work and research tasks of lower-level research staff. The position focuses on research and development in advanced Agentic AI systems, with an emphasis on developing new methods for intelligent agents and translating them into robust real-world systems. The position has two primary objectives. First, the candidate will develop a scalable, production-grade Agentic AI system for real-world use, with an agent harness integrating search, parsing, generation, verification, tool use, and orchestration. Second, the candidate will conduct impactful AI research and publish at top-tier AI, machine learning, and NLP venues.

Requirements

PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Information Systems, or a related field.
A minimum of 5 years related research experience building production-quality AI systems involving LLMs, agents, search, or complex AI pipelines.
Possesses and applies advanced knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods in high-impact AI research.
Strong publication record at highly selective AI, ML, or NLP venues.
Experience with university-level teaching or mentoring.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience spanning frontier AI research, production-grade AI system development, and research leadership, with particular expertise in Agentic AI, agent harnesses, search, verification, and scalable evaluation.

Responsibilities

Develop objectives and design of research and data collection procedures.
Conceptualize, initiate and execute research goals for project.
Conduct and coordinate advanced research studies.
Analyze and interpret data and results and refine study design.
Develop and write advanced study protocols
Evaluate current developments and research findings to determine their potential applicability to research projects.
Replicate, refine and add/develop new research approaches based on project needs.
Advise on new direction for research based on study results.
Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis and implement changes as needed.
Prepare, organize and communicate research results.
Write papers, grants, and other documents for publication based on research findings.
Author and co-author articles for publication and present at scientific symposia and conferences.
May act as supervisor or team lead in directing and coordinating the work of lower level staff.
Guide, train and advise lower level researchers and students on techniques, methods and procedures.
Plan, assign and review work of staff to ensure that group objectives are met.
Hire, train, develop and manage staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Design, build, and deploy a production-grade Agentic AI system for complex real-world tasks.
Develop an agent harness integrating search, parsing, generation, verification, tool use, and evaluation.
Conduct original research in Agentic AI and related areas, targeting leading AI, ML, and NLP venues.
Improve the reliability, scalability, and long-horizon execution of agentic systems.
Collaborate with faculty and students and contribute to graduate-level teaching and mentoring.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.