Research Manager

DeepL

Research Manager at DeepL leading a team of specialists in Reinforcement Learning. Focused on developing algorithms for next-generation translation products and enhancing AI capabilities.

Posted 5/5/2026full-timeCologne • 🇩🇪 GermanyMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive and develop a high-performing team of research scientists.
Own the team's research roadmap in Reinforcement Learning, balancing near-term product commitments with longer-horizon research bets.
Define and communicate your team's strategic goals, roadmap, and success metrics in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Act as the primary technical interface between the Task Adaptation team and adjacent functions.
Play an active role in identifying, assessing, and recruiting research talent as the team grows.
Operate with a high degree of autonomy, defining the team's direction and pushing for results in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

What you’ll need

You hold a PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a comparable quantitative discipline, or possess a strong machine learning background with equivalent research depth.
You have a strong foundation in deep learning and large-scale model training, preferably with experience in post-training of large language models.
You have proven experience leading a team of researchers or ML engineers, with a track record of developing talent and maintaining delivery rigour.
You are comfortable operating across the full model development lifecycle, including understanding infrastructure and compute constraints.
You have excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex research direction into clear goals for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
You are solution-oriented and decisive, able to navigate ambiguity and drive outcomes without waiting for direction.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Diverse and internationally distributed team: joining our team means becoming part of a large, global community with people of more than 90 nationalities.
Open communication, regular feedback: we value clear, honest communication, smooth collaboration, direct feedback, and leading with empathy and growth mindset.
Hybrid work, flexible hours: flexible working hours and trust in your productivity with a hybrid schedule, engaging directly with your team in the office twice a week.
Virtual Shares: every employee receives Virtual Shares, linking your contribution directly to DeepL’s growth and rewarding you with a stake in our future.
Regular in-person team events: vibrant events that bring us all together, from local gatherings to company-wide events.
Monthly full-day hacking sessions: spend your time diving into a project you're passionate about every month during Hack Fridays.
30 days of annual leave: access to mental health resources and 30 days off (excluding public holidays).
Competitive benefits: our benefits package is tailored to align with your unique location, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

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Hard Skills & Tools

Reinforcement Learningdeep learninglarge-scale model trainingpost-training of large language modelsmodel development lifecyclemachine learning

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationsolution-orienteddecisiveability to navigate ambiguity

Certifications

PhD in Computer SciencePhD in MathematicsPhD in Physics