Research Scientist, Fintech Optimization - Rakuten Institute of Technology (RIT)

Job Description: Business Overview The Rakuten AI & Data Division (AIDD) creates powerful, customer-focused search, recommendation, data science, advertising, marketing, pricing, and inventory optimization solutions to a variety of businesses in commerce, fintech and mobile industries. Department Overview Rakuten Institute of Technology (RIT), the AI R&D engine of Rakuten Group, is a global network of research labs spanning Tokyo, Singapore, Boston, San Mateo, Bengaluru, and Paris. We are dedicated to pioneering advancements in core AI technologies, with a focus on machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. Our researchers are actively exploring the use case of large language models, intelligent agent systems, and other cutting-edge applications, driving innovation across Rakuten's diverse ecosystem. Fintech Optimization Team provides solutions regarding financial markets, trading and investment across the Rakuten Group's set of fintech companies. As an internal solution provider to Rakuten's fintech companies, Fintech Optimization Team members must understand business needs, develop technically strong solutions (including through simulation, algorithm, backtesting, and theoretical analysis), and then communicate with business personnel about the appropriateness of those solutions. Fintech Optimization Team contains PhD-level researchers from a variety of disciplines, spanning computer science and physics to economics/finance. Position: Why We Hire Fintech Optimization Team is seeking researchers with a background in computer science, mathematical economics, finance, data analysis, algorithm design, and implementation, who can work together on the above research topics. Position Details - Define short/middle-term direction of projects while aligning with business, product and engineering team - Design solutions to solve defined business problems. Also, appropriately implement the designed algorithms and evaluate their performance - Work with Project Management team to gather business requirements, define suitable KPIs and guide members on how to validate if the solutions built meets/exceeds the requirements/KPIs - Support engineering teams and product teams to adapt prototypes in production - Support junior-level research scientists - Contribute to the advancement of science via writing papers, attending conferences and submitting patent proposals Mandatory Qualifications: - Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematical Economics, Finance or a related field, or equivalent practical experience - Proficiency in designing and implementing algorithms, considering computational complexity - Ability to effectively communicate with researchers, engineers, and business personnel in English - Ability to work independently and drive projects forward - Proficiency to analyze and visualize data using Python - Understanding of statistics and machine learning, with some practical experience - Development experience in a Unix/Linux environment - Proficient in code management (e.g., Git) - Interest and curiosity about financial markets Desired Qualifications: - Interest and experience in LLM and AI agent - Demonstrated interest and proficiency in developing technological solutions to problems in finance, at the enterprise scale - Strong international publication records - Demonstrated project achievements, such as GitHub repositories - Coding skills: Proficiency in at least one of the programming languages Rust or Haskell, or the ability to quickly learn these languages - Experience leading research members for more than two years - Experience in a field related to high-frequency trading - Ability to effectively communicate with business personnel in Japanese Other Information: Additional information on English Qualification Fluent Level English #engineer #datascientist #researcher #Python #Rust #aianddatadiv In Japanese, Rakuten stands for ‘optimism.’ It means we believe in the future. It’s an understanding that, with the right mind-set, we can make the future better by what we do today. So we challenge ourselves to evolve, innovate and experiment, to create a better, brighter future for everyone. Today, our 70+ businesses span e-commerce, digital content, communications and fintech, bringing the joy of discovery to almost 1.3 billion members across the world. If you have any trouble logging in, please contact us here Rakuten Group, Inc.: rakuten-recruiting-info@mail.rakuten.com Please read the Application Requirements(EN) / 募集要項(JP) before applying. Our Diversity & Inclusion Policy and Application Documents Rakuten’s corporate mission is to “contribute to society by creating value through innovation and entrepreneurship.” We foster a culture that provides equal opportunities to those who share this founding philosophy and take on the challenge to transform society, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or any other status. Diversity is one of Rakuten's core strategies and a driving force for innovation. Because of this, you are not required to submit any of the following information in order to apply for our job positions. - Gender - Age - Photo - Nationality - Information not related to business, such as ideological beliefs, family structure, etc. * For legal compliance, we may ask you about your work eligibility. See the details