Senior AI & ML Lead Architect
Panelista is a Swiss speaker discovery platform being developed by Hello 50:50 World, a Zurich-based nonprofit working to create a more inclusive tech and event ecosystem.
Our goal is to help event organizers discover public speakers in a fairer, more intentional, and contextual way, while giving speakers greater ownership over how they are represented.
We are currently at a foundational stage and are bringing in senior expertise to help shape the next phase of the platform with care.
About the role
This is a strategic role for someone who can evaluate technical options with maturity, challenge assumptions, and help define a path that is both responsible and realistic.
The role includes reviewing the current direction, clarifying what is ethically and legally appropriate, recommending an AI and product approach, estimating implementation and operating costs, and helping define the technical budget required to move forward.
This as a freelance opportunity, and we are open for a potential for longer-term collaboration. You would work closely with the core team behind Panelista and Hello 50:50 World.
We are looking for someone who can operate both strategically and hands-on, helping define direction while contributing to AI and LLM-related work where needed.
What you would do
In this role, you would help lead or guide the following:
- Define and guide the overall AI and technical approach for Panelista
- Assess the current product direction and technical approach
- Define a proposed architecture and phased implementation approach
- Contribute to AI system design and LLM-related decisions where appropriate
- Estimate implementation and ongoing infrastructure and planning costs
- Clarify what is ethically, legally, and operationally appropriate
- Identify key risks related to privacy, fairness, transparency, and oversight
- Advise on long-term technical direction and product decisions
- Support the platform through the next critical phases toward launch
Ideal Profile
We are looking for someone senior, thoughtful, and pragmatic.
You may be a good fit if you have experience in several of the following areas:
- Applied AI, machine learning, search, recommendation, or conversational systems
- Hands-on experience with Python development
- Experience with machine learning frameworks
- Responsible AI, fairness, or human-centered systems
- Privacy-aware or compliance-aware product development
- Early-stage or mission-driven products
- Communicating technical tradeoffs to non-technical stakeholders
- Defining technical cost models and budgets
We would especially value someone who can
- Challenge assumptions constructively
- Balance innovation with realism
- Identify and communicate risks early
- Support a small team in making sound decisions under uncertainty
- Contribute to a mission-driven product with practical awareness
Engagement format
We are open to different engagement structures depending on fit:
- Freelance
- Longer-term collaboration
Compensation structure to be discussed based on scope and stage of funding.
Why this role matters
This is an opportunity to shape a mission driven platform at a foundational moment.
You will help define the technical direction of the product, clarify responsible development practices, and support the conditions needed for Panelista to move forward effectively.
How to express interest
If you are interested, send us your CV and LinkedIn profile.
We are happy to start with a conversation.
Details
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