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.

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In 2022, the Alan Turing Institute signalled its intention to establish a portfolio of foundational AI research, which would complement the strengths of the institute around applications of AI and AI policy. The initial portfolio of research contains projects in two themes around foundation models and game theory. Five projects within a new probabilistic programming theme are being launched in early 2024. This role is being recruited to be part of one of the new projects in the probabilistic programming theme.

The Probabilistic Program Scaffolds for LLMs project aims to improve the reliability and consistency of large language models (LLMs) by integrating the LLMs with probabilistic answer set programming (P-ASP). This will allow for enforcement of logical, semantic, and syntactic constraints on LLM outputs. This role will involve developing methods to map between natural language and P-ASP frameworks, designing experiments to analyse LLM reasoning capabilities, developing methods for implementing P-ASP solvers to reformulate prompts, and develop strategies for constrained inference in LLMs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop novel methods that apply declarative frameworks using the candidate's expertise in ASP, probabilistic programming, and symbolic AI to LLMs.
• Lead projects on scaffolding LLMs with logic-based constraints using ASP and probabilistic programming.
• Design experiments and benchmarks to analyse LLM reasoning capabilities using logic-based scaffolds.
• Collaborate to define research directions and implement objectives focused on neuro-symbolic integration.
• Stay current on literature related to integrating deep learning and symbolic methods.
• Disseminate findings leveraging knowledge of ASP and constraints for reliable natural language generation.
• Act as a point of contact, drawing on background in symbolic techniques to inform stakeholders.
• Supervise junior researchers, providing perspective from logic-based AI.
  

• A PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.
• A solid background in probabilistic programming, logic programming or symbolic models for artificial intelligence. Strong mathematical and logical reasoning abilities.
• Hands-on experience with at least one of the following topics: ASP, Neural logic programming, inductive logic programming.
• Track record of outstanding research and delivering impact appropriate to career stage
• Ability to communicate complex, specialist, or conceptual information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Participates in networks within the organisation or externally to share knowledge and information in order develop practice or help others learn
  

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us at [email protected].

If you are applying for more than one role at the Turing, please note that only one Cover Letter can be visible on your profile at one time. If you wish to apply for multiple roles and do not want to overwrite your existing Cover Letter, please apply for the role using the button below and forward your additional cover letter directly to [email protected] quoting the job title.

If you are an internal applicant and wish to apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter directly to [email protected] and your application will be considered.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Sunday 7 January 2024 at 23:59 (London, UK GMT)

INTERVIEW DATES: Interviews will be conducted in late January 2024, with limited communications over the Christmas/New Year break.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on a 2-year fixed-term basis starting in March 2024. The annual salary is £42,893 - £48,510 (depending on experience) plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits  

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant at a salary of £40,148 per annum.

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. We expect staff to come to our office at least 4 days per month. Some roles may require more days in the office; the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

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 and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

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 [email protected] to find out how we can assist you.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check. Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from [email protected].