Senior AI Research Scientist - Foundation Models & Agentic AI

About the role

Wells Fargo's Model Risk Management (MRM) team is seeking a Senior Quantitative Analytics Specialist (AI Research Scientist - Foundation Models & Agentic AI - Senior AVP) to support cutting-edge applied research and development initiatives in Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on building the next generation of Foundation Models, Agentic AI solutions, and Generative AI systems. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of AI research and real-world financial applications that impact millions of customers.

In this role, you will

• Perform highly complex research projects in AI / Generative AI / Agentic AI / Machine Learning from ideation, experimentation, implementation, evaluation and documentation.
• Support building the next generation of foundation models and agentic AI systems through exploration, application, and rigorous evaluation of emerging AI technologies that solve real-world challenges.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including researchers, data scientists, applied engineers, and domain experts.
• Translate research insights into impactful business solutions, open-source contributions, patents, and publications.
• Contribute to building the next generation of foundation models and agentic AI systems trained/operating on large volumes of heterogeneous data—both structured and unstructured—that enhance Wells Fargo's products, services, and operations.
• Publish in top-tier AI/ML conferences and journals and represent Wells Fargo in the broader AI research community.

Required qualifications

• 4+ years of Quantitative Analytics experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
• Master's degree or higher in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, economics, or computer science

Desired qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related computational field, or an MSc with at least 3 years of relevant applied research or industry experience.
• Solid proven research track record with publications in top-tier AI/ML conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, NAACL, or EMNLP, combined with a demonstrated interest in translating research into real-world applications that impact millions of customers.
• Deep expertise in one or more specialized areas, including but not limited to:
  • Foundation Models (GPT-4, BERT, LLaMA, Claude)
  • Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Large Reasoning Models
  • Multimodal Models
  • Agentic AI
• Demonstrated ability to apply GenAI / Agentic AI in the full build lifecycle—design, implementation, testing, and iteration—leveraging AI coding copilots (e.g., GitHub Copilot) and agentic coding workflows to accelerate delivery while maintaining enterprise standards.
• Hands-on experience with GPU infrastructure, Transformer architecture, modern AI/ML development frameworks and tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, AWS, GCP.
• Strong engineering background with demonstrated ability to contribute to collaborative software engineering projects, including version control, code reviews, and scalable system design.
• Experience with transferring foundation models, LLMs, and agentic AI systems into production.

Job expectations

• This position offers a hybrid work schedule.
• Willingness to work onsite at stated location on the job posting.
• This position is eligible for VISA sponsorship.

Work locations

• Three Wells Fargo Center, Charlotte, NC
• 600 Wells Fargo, Minneapolis, MN
• Las Colinas Bldg B, Irving Campus, Irving, TX
• West Des Moines Campus, 800 S Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA
• D Building, 114N Beaumont St, Saint Louis, MO
• 1150 W Washington, Tempe, AZ
• 333 Market St, San Francisco, CA

Pay

$139,000.00 – $260,000.00 (base pay range; may vary depending on factors including prior performance, skills, experience, or work location). Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid time off
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
• Parental leave
• Critical caregiving leave
• Discounts and savings
• Commuter benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Scholarships for dependent children
• Adoption reimbursement