How to Become an AI Researcher: Step-by-Step

Artificial intelligence is changing how humans work in several industries, such as health and digital marketing. From automating repetitive tasks to advanced reasoning, AI is helping us achieve more with less time and money. AI researchers are at the forefront of this changing dynamics. If you’re interested in neural networks, machine learning, and algorithms, a career in AI research might be the perfect fit for you. In this guide, we’ll dive into how you can become an AI researcher step-by-step. Let’s dive in. 

What Does an AI Researcher Do?

AI researchers work on theories and experimentation to find new growth opportunities in the industry. The role is different from that of AI engineers, who work to build practical applications. The job of a typical AI researcher is to:

  • Develop new algorithms
  • Work in labs or academia
  • Solve problems in machine learning, robotics, and NLP 

These responsibilities can vary depending on the organizational goals and your experience. 

Build Foundational Knowledge

The first step of getting any research-based job is building the foundations. 

Educational Background

For the AI research role, this means getting a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, maths, or statistics. AI research roles require you to have a Master’s degree (Example: Applied AI). If you don’t want to pursue this path, there’s an alternative route: Getting certified from reputable platforms like Datacamp or self-study programs, but a PhD gives you an edge. 

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Core Skills 

While you pursue the required education, focus on developing the skills necessary to perform the job effectively. This includes Math & Stats (Calculus, probability), programming (Python, R, etc.), ML Frameworks (TensorFlow), and research (Learning to read and write academic papers). 

Specialize in a Subfield 

AI research is a broad field. Specializing in a subfield can help you stand out. One of the most popular specializations these days is Natural Language Processing (NLP) (Example: ChatGPT). NLP jobs grew 120% in 2024 because of breakthroughs in LLMs. Another popular area is Computer Vision which powers technologies like self-driving cars and facial recognition. The growth in these fields is staggering. Pick one and gain knowledge and skills until you’re ready to go for a role as an AI researcher. Consider contributing to open-source platforms like TensorFlow to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. 

Gain Research Experience

gain research experience

Hands-on experience almost always trumps theoretical knowledge. Once you’ve built your foundations, go for internship roles or contribute to open-source platforms to hone your skills. You can try and land an internship role in AI labs like Google AI. If you’re aiming higher than that, consider publishing research papers. According to data, 70% of hired AI researchers have a published research paper. Even if you get your work published in a small publication, it can prove to be a major boost for your career. 

Build a Strong Portfolio 

A strong portfolio often speaks louder than a resume. This is because people can see your knowledge and skills in action. To build a solid portfolio in AI research, we’d suggest creating and optimizing your GitHub profile. Showcase your past projects and results on your profile. Also, you can start a blog or a YouTube channel and explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner to build your authority on the topic. In addition, consider participating in Kaggle competitions. This can help you:

  • Sharpen your skills 
  • Get the attention of potential employers/recruiters

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Network and Stay Updated

Artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing. As a professional, you can’t get away with outdated information or one-time education. You need to keep yourself up to date on the latest developments and trends. Networking with the right people and on the right digital platforms is crucial to keep yourself relevant these days. Start following thought leaders like Andrew Ng and interact with fellow professionals in Facebook and LinkedIn groups. 

Find a Job or PhD in AI Research 

find an ai researcher job

When you have the required knowledge and skills and a strong portfolio, it becomes easier to get a well-paying job. Even better if you have some internship experience from a reputable organization. From here, you can take two main paths: An industry job or an academic/PhD path. Key roles you can target to get a job are research scientist, applied scientist, machine learning engineer, and research engineer. To apply for a job, explore AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic, tech giants like DeepMind and NVIDIA, startups, and non-tech sectors investing in AI research. And, if you want to join an organization without having to go the PhD route, build a strong research base with self-publication and build a personal brand on social media. 

Becoming an AI Researcher: FAQs

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about becoming an AI researcher. 

Do I Need a PhD to Become an AI Researcher?

While not mandatory, most research-based AI roles require you to have a relevant PhD degree. However, you can bypass this requirement with an exceptional publication record. 

What’s the Salary Range for AI Researchers?

Companies investing in artificial intelligence research are willing to offer handsome salaries to people who can help them. As an entry-level AI researcher, you can expect a salary range of $100k – $130k per year. 

How Long Does It Take to Become an AI Researcher?

The typical path to becoming an AI researcher takes 3 – 5 years. This includes Bachelor’s and Master’s. A PhD can take longer (5 – 10 years of study and research). 

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Conclusion 

Becoming an AI researcher may be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The career path does require some high-level technical skills and a meticulous growth strategy, but there are a lot of opportunities out there. With AI becoming more and more important in many industries, there’s a growing demand for professionals who can help with the technical side of things. Start by picking a specialty and educating yourself. Build your portfolio, get some experience, and keep networking in the right digital places to land your first job as an AI researcher. 

References:

  1. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-become-ai-scientist-description-skills-salary
  2. https://www.datacamp.com/blog/how-to-learn-ai
  3. https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/ai-research-scientist-career/
  4. https://www.tealhq.com/how-to-become/ai-researcher
  5. https://roadmap.sh/ai-data-scientist

What Does an AI Product Manager Do? Ultimate Guide

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, from customer service chatbots to self-driving cars. The technology has transformed the landscape of many industries. But, have you ever wondered who’s behind these AI-powered tools? AI product managers. This role is becoming increasingly important as companies continue to embrace AI in their marketing and operational workflows. In this article, we’ll break down the role of an AI product manager, what skills you need to become one, a few examples of AI product management in different industries, and more. Let’s dive in. 

What is an AI Product Manager?

An AI product manager is like a traditional product manager but with a small twist. The product in this case is powered by artificial intelligence technology, which makes the role a bit more sophisticated and technical. Think of an AI product manager as a bridge between an organization’s technical teams, such as engineers and data scientists. They deal with the unique challenges of AI products, such as handling uncertainty, managing complex data, and ensuring ethical guidelines.

Key Responsibilities of an AI Product Manager 

What does an AI product manager do? Let’s break down their key roles and responsibilities in a company setting. 

Defining AI Project Strategy and Vision 

It all starts with the identification of a problem and leveraging AI to propose a solution. AI product managers may start by asking this simple question “How can AI solve this problem?” and then work with the stakeholders and relevant team members to define an AI product’s vision and strategy for the future. According to research, 87% of AI projects fail to make to the production stage because of poor alignment of business goals and technical execution. 

Collaborating with Other Teams

AI is a complex field and to effectively manage an AI product, the role requires you to work closely with other professionals like data scientists, designers, and marketers. For instance, you may have to explain the technical limitations of an AI tool to marketers to help them promote the product effectively. 

Managing Data and Models

AI-powered tools work on extensive data. You have to provide them with accurate, relevant data to expect the desired outputs. AI PMs manage data collection, cleaning, and labeling to make sure the tool gets high-quality inputs. Once the model is deployed, they monitor it and make the necessary tweaks when needed. 

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Ethical AI Development 

Unlike traditional product management, AI PMs have the added responsibility of making sure their model isn’t biased and unfair. For instance, if an AI hiring tool favors one demographic over another, it has been fed with a biased dataset. The product manager needs to fix this. 

Skills Required to Become an AI Product Manager

Skills Required to Become an AI Product Manager

74% of companies say they struggle to find the right talent with the right mix of technical and business skills for AI roles. If you’re considering a career in AI product management, you need a particular set of skills to perform the role effectively. Here are the most important skills.

Technical Skills

AI product managers don’t need to be data scientists, but a basic understanding of AI and ML is crucial. Knowing the differences between supervised and unsupervised learning and the know-how of tools like Python and PyTorch can help. 

Communication Skills

Managers need to be good communicators, especially in a field like AI where there are a lot of technical terms and concepts. AI product managers explain technical terms to non-technical team members, making effective communication an important skill for them to have. 

Problem-Solving and Creativity

When working with an evolving technology, you’re bound to face problems. Developing AI models and managing them effectively requires problem-solving. To come up with effective solutions, you need a creative mind since AI is mostly an uncharted territory. 

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Examples of AI Product Management Positions

To understand how product managers manage AI in different industries, let’s look at a few examples. 

AI in E-Commerce

In e-commerce, an AI agent could take in user data and understand their online behavior before offering personalized recommendations. A chatbot on an e-commerce website answering visitor’s queries is another use case. 

AI in Healthcare

In healthcare, AI tools can help with the development of diagnosis tools that can help read medical images more effectively. A manager would ensure the tool is compliant with the regulations. 

The Future of AI Product Development 

The Future of AI Product Development 

AI technology is growing and becoming a part of different industries rapidly. Take digital marketing for example. Human-like AI voices, AI video makers, and custom chatbots are some shining examples. Other industries like agriculture, medicine, finance, and hiring are also leveraging this technology to automate tasks and make their processes more efficient. However, with power comes responsibility. Product managers will need to educate themselves about the laws, regulations, and best practices of using AI and stay compliant. 

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The Role of an AI Product Manager: FAQs

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about the role of an AI product manager. 

What is the Role of an AI Manager?

AI product managers oversee AI projects, communicate with relevant team members, and make sure everything is in line with the business goals. 

What is the Salary of an AI Product Manager?

The salary of an AI product manager varies by location and experience. It typically ranges from $120k to $180k in the US. 

How Do I Become an AI Product Manager?

Start by learning the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Gain product management experience, specifically in the field of AI. 

Conclusion

By 2030, AI could contribute up to $15.7T to the global economy. Artificial intelligence has paved the way for many job opportunities. An AI product manager is one of them. Most AI products require ongoing management and development. As a manager, you make sure the product aligns with the company’s goals and vision, performs well, and stays compliant. The role requires a set of technical and soft skills like knowledge of AI/ML, communication, and problem-solving. Moreover, since the industry is only going to grow in the future, more and more businesses will need AI product managers. 

Resources:

 

https://www.datascience-pm.com/ai-product-manager/

https://venturebeat.com/ai/why-do-87-of-data-science-projects-never-make-it-into-production/

 https://www.svpg.com/ai-product-management/

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/global-survey-the-state-of-ai-in-2021 

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/artificial-intelligence/publications/artificial-intelligence-study.html