Research and Development Lead - Simulation Hub (AI & Data)

Job Description

Portfolio:

Global Data Office

Sub Portfolio:

TBD

Role title:

Simulation Hub Research & Development Lead

About the AI Ready Data Function:

EY aspires to become the world’s most trusted AI-powered professional services firm, delivering transformative value to clients and employees. Leveraging its extensive data across finance, legal, HR, and core business operations, EY is uniquely positioned to accelerate its data strategy and unlock new opportunities for growth and protection of its business.

To achieve this vision, all Service Lines and global regions must collaborate on strategic priorities aligned with EY’s “All In” goal: safeguarding the current US$50B revenue base while generating the next US$50B. Central to this effort is advancing data management across its lifecycle to enhance existing services and create innovative offerings.

EY’s AI Ready Data Strategy—led by Applied Innovation (Joe Depa) and the Global Data Office (CDO - Richard Clough)—is the foundation for this transformation. The Data Office drives applied innovation by redefining how data is discovered, managed, utilized, and scaled. A key enabler is the development of an enterprise data platform supported by robust governance, unlocking the full potential of EY’s data assets to fuel innovation and deliver next-level client service.

About the Delivery Team:

A global team across Americas, EMEA and APAC with a core that focuses on design, build and deliver innovative synthetic/simulation solutions that meet needs across client sectors and EY service lines. Working closely with other AIRD functions to ensure the right synthetic data is delivered to the right consumers. We aim for high quality, high relevancy, and high compliance.

Position Summary:

Build and lead an R&D function from scratch for Simulation Hub within the Global Data Office. Report to the Global Lead while partnering closely with the Deputy Global Lead to drive innovation in synthetic data generation, AI data technologies, and the broader data-AI ecosystem. Shape the future of synthetic data capabilities through cutting-edge research and practical application.

Essential Responsibilities of the Job:

• Build and lead an R&D team from the ground up, recruiting world-class researchers and data scientists
• Define and execute research roadmap for synthetic data technologies aligned with business strategy
• Drive innovation in generative models (GANs, VAEs, diffusion models, LLMs) and multi-modal data synthesis
• Monitor technology landscape, evaluate emerging vendors, tools, and research breakthroughs
  Collaborate with Deputy Global Lead to translate research into practical proof of concepts and solutions

Analytical/Decision Making Responsibilities:

• Generate thought leadership through publications, patents, conferences, and open-source contributions
• Provide strategic advisory on technology investments and innovation opportunities
• Bridge research excellence with real-world business applications across industries

Knowledge and Skills Requirements:

Education And Experience:

• Degree in CS, Machine Learning, Statistics, or related field (Advanced degree strongly preferred)
• 8-12+ years in AI/ML research, data science, or related technical domains
• 3-5+ years leading research teams or initiatives
• Experience building technical teams or research functions from inception
• Track record of innovation through publications, patents, or breakthrough projects

Education And Experience:

• Deep expertise in synthetic data generation across multiple modalities
• Strong foundation in generative models (GANs, VAEs, diffusion models, transformers)
• Proficiency in deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX)
• Advanced knowledge of privacy-preserving techniques and differential privacy
• Understanding of foundation models and LLMs for data synthesis
• Strong programming skills in Python

Research AndLeadership:

• Publications in top-tier conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, KDD) or journals
  
  • Proven ability to identify novel research directions with practical outcomes
  • Experience recruiting and developing top technical talent
  • Strong collaborative mindset working across research and delivery functions
  • Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
  • Strategic thinking connecting research to business value
• Ecosystem Knowledge:
  
  • Strong network within AI/ML research community and synthetic data ecosystem
  • Awareness of competitive landscape, vendors, and market dynamics
  • Understanding of regulatory and ethical considerations in AI and data
• Preferred:
  • Postdoctoral experience or faculty position at leading research institution
  • Industrial research lab experience (Google, Meta AI, Microsoft, DeepMind)
  • Track record of technology transfer from research to product
  • Major open-source contributions and conference speaking experience

Travel
20-30% travel for conferences, vendor meetings, and strategic engagements