> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jamiewen00.gitbook.io/ai-engineering-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jamiewen00.gitbook.io/ai-engineering-handbook/roles-and-teams/ai-researcher.md).

# AI Researcher

A great leadership oriented video about [Structuring a modern AI team](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbUxRluVRwk)

> **Vertical service providers don't need AI Researchers until they reach scale.**

## Team Skills

AI teams need skills across domains:

* **Use case definition** and product integration
* **ROI measurement** and data sourcing
* **Workflow testing** and refinement
* **Interface building** for success
* **Product selling** and customer engagement

Success needs multiple roles, not just one researcher. Find what blocks success:

* **Feature shipping** capabilities
* **User acquisition** and retention
* **Monetization** strategies
* **Scalability** and reliability issues
* **Observability** challenges

## Budget Reality

* **Top researchers** cost too much
* **Generalist AI engineers** cost less
* **Domain expertise** beats pure research skills

## Hire General AI Engineers

Hire generalists and support them with platform, tooling and automation.

Generalists excel early when companies seek product-market fit. They adapt to changes, work across functions, and cost less for most companies.

<figure><img src="/files/UZhGrLUmyOn1ULgB9GP9" alt=""><figcaption><p>Skills an AI team needs</p></figcaption></figure>

## Hire Domain Experts

Domain experts know your industry. They find the right fit, understand customers, and know your business deeply.

* **Product-market fit** achievement
* **Customer satisfaction** and retention
* **Technical execution** quality
* **Business outcomes** and ROI

## Hire AI Researchers

You likely don't need top lab researchers initially.

<figure><img src="/files/A43S7a6cLVwf3DmCMGUI" alt=""><figcaption><p>Where AI Researchers sit</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/StsQoD2WcUbWrEvF5CSN" alt=""><figcaption><p>When to hire researchers</p></figcaption></figure>

**When to hire researchers:** Scale exceeds generalist capabilities. Performance needs specialists. Model development becomes core product.

## See Also

* [AI Roles](/ai-engineering-handbook/roles-and-teams/ai-roles.md)
* [AI Team](/ai-engineering-handbook/roles-and-teams/ai-team.md)
* [AI Engineer](/ai-engineering-handbook/roles-and-teams/ai-engineer.md)