Research Lead, Fundamental Research in AI for Physical Systems

The Alan Turing Institute

Named in honour of Alan Turing, the Institute is a place for inspiring, exciting work and we need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to use their skills to contribute to our mission to make great leaps in data science and AI research to change the world for the better.

Background

Currently, Turing is undergoing a restructuring, moving towards a challenge-led model with three Grand Challenges (Environment & Sustainability, Health, Defence & National Security). This will be supported by a cross-cutting Fundamental Research in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence priority area. This new Turing 2.0 model focuses on world-class science and innovation and aims to generate high-quality research and translate it into real-world impact and deployment.

We are looking for highly skilled, experienced Research Leads to lead and enable the delivery of this ambitious work, initially centred around developing AI for Physical Systems. Within the Fundamental Research area, we will provide foundational theory, methods and tools to advance the state-of-the art of the use of Artificial Intelligence to model, predict and control physical systems. The aim is to develop the next generation of fundamental ML and AI methods, tools and theory to enable modelling, prediction and control of physical systems. To achieve this, we are creating a multi-disciplinary, mission-driven team which will collaborate with national & international centres of excellence to achieve its goals. Initially, we will be focusing on three strands.

1. Strand 1: Probabilistic and Generative Models for modelling & prediction of Physical Systems.
2. Strand 2: Bridging the divide between data-driven & mechanistic models.
3. Strand 3: Accelerating large-scale computational simulations through machine learning.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a team of researchers and professional staff to develop and deliver high-quality high-impact research.
• Ensure research project delivery against objectives within allocated budgets and timeframes.
• Conduct high-quality research, contributing to the broader research aims of the Fundamental Research priority area.
• Liaise with stakeholders and colleagues to understand and prioritise project goals.
• Contribute to mission-led research in collaboration with team members and Principal Investigators (PIs).
• Lead on the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g., for funding and contractual purposes.
• Present, disseminate and explain our work at meetings/events and contribute to both the internal and external visibility of the Institute.
• Take responsibility for driving collaboration with academic experts and broader research partners from across the Turing.

Person Specification

• A PhD (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) in a relevant area, e.g., machine learning, AI, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics or engineering.
• Experience in developing research software codes and libraries (in Python or Julia).

Terms and Conditions
This post is offered on a full time, fixed-term basis for 3 years. Part-time (0.8 FTE) applications can be considered. The annual salary is £68,135 - £73,813 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies.

Application procedure

Please see our jobs portal for full details on how to apply and the interview process.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at to find out how we can assist you.