New York, New York, United States · Hybrid
$96k–$104k/yr
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential …
Skills: Python, Machine Learning, Large Language Models, Generative AI, AWS
Washington, District of Columbia, United States · On-site
$75k–$95k/yr
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential …
Skills: Beat Reporting, Investigative Journalism, News Breaking, Multimedia Storytelling, Social Media Strategy
New York, New York, United States · On-site
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential …
Skills: Storytelling, News Judgment, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, Planning Skills
New York, New York, United States · On-site
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential …
Skills: Storytelling, News Judgment, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, Planning Skills
New Delhi, Delhi, India · On-site
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential …
Skills: Photo Editing, Visual Journalism, Newsroom Leadership, Workflow Management, Photo Composition
Washington, District of Columbia, United States · Hybrid
$190k–$210k/yr
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential …
Skills: Product Strategy, Engineering Leadership, AWS Architecture, Data Delivery, API Management
New York, New York, United States · Remote OK
$135k–$170k/yr
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential …
Skills: Engineering Management, React, Next.js, iOS Development, Android Development
New York, New York, United States · Remote OK
$123k–$170k/yr
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential …
Skills: Engineering Management, Backend Development, API Design, CMS Management, GraphQL
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Drive applied AI research and rapid experimentation to identify and pilot new AI capabilities for journalism and business operations. Bridge the gap between research and product development by building proofs of concept and managing external partners for MVP creation.
Requires at least 2 years of experience in data science or machine learning, or an advanced degree in a related field. Must be proficient in Python and have hands-on experience deploying AI prototypes on cloud infrastructure, preferably AWS.
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.
Why this role matters:
The AI Research Lead drives applied AI research and rapid experimentation to help AP discover, validate and pilot new opportunities to bring AI capabilities to our journalism and business operations. This role bridges applied research, rapid experimentation, and early-stage product development to keep AP at the forefront of AI in news.
This is an individual contributor position and will have no direct reports.
What you will do:
Stay abreast of artificial intelligence research and product development and help to translate these developments into opportunities for AP.
Evaluate potential technology, startup and academic partners; conduct lightweight technical due diligence on capability, cost, IP and risk.
Scout and prioritize AI use cases across newsroom and business workflows in collaboration with editorial, product and technology stakeholders.
Rapidly design and build proofs of concept using Python and modern ML/LLM tooling; run experiments and evaluations to prove value and ensure quality and operational fit.
Coordinate with contract developers and external partners to build pilots and MVPs: define requirements, review deliverables and manage timelines.
Plan and execute internal and external pilots; collect user feedback, measure impact and iterate based on results.
Apply responsible AI practices throughout experimentation and pilots, including data privacy, copyright/IP protection, maintaining system guardrails and safety/quality evaluation.
Create clear handoff documentation and partner with Product and Engineering to assist the transition from pilot to production application.
Define and track project success metrics; document and communicate lessons learned with internal and external audiences.
Who you are:
Minimum 2 years’ experience in data science, machine learning or a related technical innovation role or advanced degree in a related field.
Hands-on experience translating emerging AI technologies into applied prototypes and pilot projects.
Demonstrated understanding of large language models, generative AI, and related tools and frameworks.
Strong technical proficiency in Python or similar programming languages, and experience using AI-assisted coding tools.
Experience deploying prototypes on cloud infrastructure (AWS preferred).
Working knowledge of software engineering fundamentals (APIs, version control, code review) and experience collaborating with engineers and contractors.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with experience working across technical and non-technical teams.
Ability to apply (or quickly learn and apply) responsible AI and data governance considerations in real-world products.
What will set you apart
Commitment to continuous learning, a hands-on approach to exploring new technologies and enthusiasm for sharing what you have learned with others.
Experience executing user-facing pilots and translating prototype learnings into clear requirements, documentation and handoff materials.
Familiarity with newsroom, content or publishing workflows, or experience building tools for media and information products.
Why join us:
Salary & Benefits:
The anticipated salary range for this position is $96,000–$104,000, based on a candidate’s skills, qualifications, and location. This hybrid role may be performed from any Associated Press office location, including New York, NY; Washington, D.C.; Chicago, IL; or Los Angeles, CA.
The Associated Press offers comprehensive benefits, which include:
Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
Retirement benefits
Company paid life insurance
Paid vacation and sick days
Paid parental leave for any new parent
Mental well-being resources
Application deadline is July 10, 2026, at 11:59p.m. ET.
AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.
Advancing the power of facts. News and services that expand the reach of factual reporting.
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
Offices: 200 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281, US · Oval Road, London, England NW1 7DZ, GB
Advancing the power of facts. News and services that expand the reach of factual reporting.
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
Offices: 200 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281, US · Oval Road, London, England NW1 7DZ, GB
