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Project BlueBird - Advancing Probabilistic Machine Learning to Deliver Safer, More Efficient, and Predictable Air Traffic Control

Project BlueBird is a partnership between NATS and The Alan Turing Institute to develop the fundamental science to deliver the world's first AI system to control a section of airspace in live trials.

The collaborative research will take a hierarchical approach to air traffic control (ATC) by developing a digital twin alongside a multiagent machine-learning control system for UK airspace. The partnership will develop technical approaches to deploy trustworthy AI systems, considering how safety, explainability and ethics are embedded within our methods, so that we can deliver new tools which work in harmony with human air traffic controllers in a safety-critical environment.

Project BlueBird is arranged into three interconnected scientific research themes (RTs) and underpinned by a cross-cutting theme (XCT). The three scientific Research Themes are:

1. Probabilistic Digital Twin of UK Airspace

2. Machine Learning Tactical and Strategic Flight Control

3. Safe, Trustworthy and Explainable ATC

This role will be part of Research theme 3: Safe, Trustworthy and Explainable Air Traffic Control. Each scientific theme involves two academics and two NATS domain experts.

Alongside NATS and Turing, the research programme includes partner universities of Exeter and Cambridge. The research programme is led by Professor Tim Dodwell (Turing AI Fellow at Turing & University of Exeter) with Dr Evelina Gabasova (Turing Principal Research Data Scientist), Prof Mark Girolami (Turing Programme Director for Data Centric Engineering programme), Prof Richard Everson (Professor of Machine Learning at University of Exeter and Turing Fellow), Dr Edmond Awad (Assistant Professor at University of Exeter), Dr Adrian Weller (Turing Programme Director for the AI programme), and our partners at NATS including Dr Richard Cannon (Research Lead) and their wider research team.

ROLE PURPOSE

We are seeking a Research Associate to work as part of Project BlueBird to deliver a human-centred, data-driven approach to explainable and trustworthy AI.

To enable effective human-AI cooperation, this role will develop tools to provide useful explanations of AI decisions as well as communicate the level of uncertainty around those decisions.

The Research Associate will lead projects as part of a research theme. The aim of the theme is to develop effective tools that promote successful human–AI cooperation in safety-critical tactical control. The successful applicant will work with Dr Edmond Award (Exeter & Turing) and Dr Adrian Weller (Cambridge & Turing).

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• To undertake research related to the Research Theme of Safe, Trustworthy and Explainable Air Traffic Control.
• To produce high-quality research publications documenting the results of the research, to publish these papers in relevant peer-reviewed scientific journals of international standing, and to present these results at conferences and workshops.
• To hold regular meetings with designated members of staff and with other collaborators.
• To collaborate with and support colleagues in the development of research links between the Turing, NATS and and their partners, and the wider community as appropriate.
• To travel as necessary to present work and meet with external collaborators.
• To take initiative and make original contributions to the research programme wherever possible, and to contribute freely to the team research environment in an inclusive manner conducive to the success of the research project as a whole.

• PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Human-Computer Interaction or a related field of study.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the Artificial Intelligence Ethics (AI Ethics), and Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) to develop/follow research
• Experience of defining the research direction in collaboration with Project Investigators as appropriate to career stage.
• The ability to initiate, develop and deliver high quality research aligned with the research strategy as indicated by the PI and any industrial stakeholders, and to publish in peer reviewed journals and conferences.
• Knowledge and interest in explainable AI.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex information and
• conceptual ideas to a range of audiences.
• The ability to write research reports and papers in styles accessible to both academic and lay audiences.
• Able to identify sources of funding, generate income, obtain consultancy projects and develop external networks for future activities.

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the duties, responsibilities and person specification

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full time post is offered on a fixed term basis until May 2026. The annual salary is £38,850- £46,200 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 £36,236 per annum

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter.

We are currently assessing the results of our hybrid working trial, which ran for six months. We will soon publish a long-term workplace policy: as a guide, we anticipate this will be between 2-4 days per month. Some roles may require the jobholder to spend a greater number of days in the office, but the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

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 on 020 3970 2148 or 0203 862 3340, or email [email protected].

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday 23 January 2023 at 23:59

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.

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.

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 building a diverse community and would like our leadership teal to reflect this. We therefore welcome applications from the broadest spectrum of backgrounds.

Reasonable adjustments to the interview process will be made for any candidates with a disability.

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].