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. An initial portfolio of research across three pillars, foundation models, game theory, and probabilistic programming, was launched in early 2023.

We are looking for one Research Associate to support and enable the delivery of the “Programmable Inference” theme within the Probabilistic Programming Pillar. This theme will be directed by Will Pearse (Imperial College London), Seth Flaxman (University of Oxford) and Juliette Unwin (University of Bristol).

For the UK to achieve global leadership in Probabilistic Programming Languages (PPL), it is necessary to cultivate a self-sustaining research community. We will help realise this vision by supporting (1) conceptual advances in focal research areas of strategic importance to the UK (climate, health, and spatial modelling), (2) forecasting contests to build a community based around addressing policy needs, and (3) in-person and online training sessions.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The research associate will be based the Turing Institute and will be responsible for the work outlined above. The research associate will be a driving force behind work in the project, focusing on three main areas:

1: Conceptual advances in biodiversity forecasting

The postholder will primarily focus on biodiversity forecasting, building forecasts of future UK habitat in response to climate and human land-use changes, through direct collaboration with Dr Pearse. This approach will likely make use of a Phylogenetic Generalised Linear Mixed Model approach (as outlined in Gallinat & Pearse 2021; DOI: 10.1111/oik.08048), and so will be applicable to the health-modelling (led by Dr Unwin) and involve spatial components (led by Dr Flaxman).

2: Forecasting contests

The postholder will assist with the planning, logistics, and running of the forecasting contest. This will include, but not be limited to, preparing datasets and example code for the competition entrants, advertising the contest, and co-developing contest ideas with other members of the team.

3: In-person trainings

The postholder will help develop and grow the Probabilistic Programming Language community by running and co-developing training sessions based around Probabilistic Programming. This will include, but not be limited to, organising mailing lists of potential attendees, developing materials for use during the sessions, and collecting feedback about events and requested future events.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The duties of the postholder will include:

• Undertake research focused around the use of probabilistic programming in biodiversity modelling (#1 in the role statement above)
• Manage and support the forecasting contests to be run at the centre (#2 in the role statement above)
• Organise and carry out in-person trainings (#3 in the role statement above)
• Work closely with other members of the project team.
• Keep on top of the state of the art in the relevant literature, in particular programmable inference, Bayesian inference, and uncertainty quantification.
• Disseminate findings and results from work in the project by publishing leading peer-reviewed journal articles
• Disseminate findings from work in the project through conference presentations and/or pubic-facing briefing notes
  

• PhD in Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• A solid background in one or more of the following: Bayesian inference, uncertainty quantification, programmable inference, biodiversity science.
• Experience in publishing research papers, code libraries or technical reports and giving presentations or classes on technical subjects.
• Excellent writing skills and a proven ability to communicate complex information/research findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences
• Ability to organise working time, take initiative, and carry out research independently, under the guidance of the PI

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: 2 June 2024 at 23:59 (UK, BST)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on a 30 months fixed-term basis. The annual salary is £44,180 - £49,966 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 £41,352 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 continuous eligibility 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].