The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. The Institute is named in honour of the scientist Alan Turing and its mission is to make great leaps in data science and artificial intelligence research in order to change the world for the better.

The Role

The Institute is launching a twelve-month research project on “AI for Scientific Discovery: Developing Artificial Intelligence Systems Capable of Nobel-Quality Discoveries by 2050”.

The aim is to generate an actionable roadmap to achieving high performance AI systems, by exploring the feasibility and pathway toward such a goal in consultation with leading thinkers in this domain. The successful candidate will work with the guidance and close collaboration of the scientific leadership team comprised of Dr. Yolanda Gil, Professor Ross King and Professor Hiroaki Kitano.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Associate will work closely with the project investigators based at the Turing Institute to:

• Undertake research and analysis related to “AI for Scientific Discovery” themes.
• Evaluate, socialise and present findings to arrive at an understanding of current trends, opportunities and challenges as they relate to the above theme.
• Study the relevance and potential of the above theme as it relates to other science domains; in particular, systems biology as a primary area of interest.
• Take initiative and make original contributions to the research project wherever possible, and to contribute freely in a manner conducive to the success of the project as a whole.
• Maintain regular and continuous communication with PIs and undertake regular meetings with designated members of staff and other collaborators to further the project.
• Deliver report in collaboration with PIs, detailing the outcomes of study to enhance the impact of the findings and to further the global discourse on the above theme for the benefit of society at large.
• Travel as necessary to meet with external collaborators.
• Collaborate with others across the Turing, university partners, industry partners and the broader AI and science communities, towards outputs and outcomes that yield significant impact to further the project.
• Contribute to research and publications using other appropriate media to disseminate findings from the project.
• Attend and present research findings and papers at academic and professional conferences or workshops, and to contribute to the external visibility of the project.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:

Essential

• A PhD or equivalent research experience in artificial intelligence or in a related technical or scientific discipline.
• Publication record in leading international conferences or journals, as appropriate to career stage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present complex or technical information, and to communicate effectively outside the research community.
• Ability to collaborate successfully with colleagues in a multidisciplinary environment.
• A desire to collaborate with experts across domains.
• Ability to lead one’s own work, including planning and execution, and to prioritise work to meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Ability to organise working time, take the initiative, and carry out research independently, under the guidance of the PI.
• Experience in applying ideas across scientific domains.
• Working knowledge of systems biology.

Terms and Conditions

This full-time post is offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of twelve months, starting 10th February 2020 or as soon after that as possible. We are happy to talk flexible working.

The annual salary for this role is £34,000 – £41,000, dependent on skills and experience; plus excellent benefits. https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits

Application procedure

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant’s portal and complete the application form including your CV, covering letter and contact details for your referees.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the role further with a member of the Institute’s HR Team, please contact them on 0203 862 3394 or 020 3862 3357, or email [email protected].

Closing date for applications: 09 February 2020

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. In accordance with the Equality Act, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, religion or belief or sexual orientation. Reasonable adjustments are available to support candidates through the application and interview process. Happy to Talk Flexible Working

Please note all offers of employment are subject to continuous eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.