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 in foundation models, game theory, and probabilistic programming will be launched in early 2023. Each of these areas is called a ‘Pillar’. It is intended that this portfolio will complement the UK’s current activity, rather than duplicating existing efforts, and aiming to promote emerging new areas that show promise for the future.

FOUNDATION MODELS

Foundation models are large ML models trained on large, broad data sets. Foundation models such as GPT-3 have been shown to have remarkable capabilities for generating realistic natural language, and, to some extent, capabilities for problem solving and common-sense reasoning. Developing a Turing Foundation Model is beyond our present capacity. Instead we therefore propose work aimed at developing Turing expertise around the problem of precisely understanding the capabilities of such models. The main issue we aim to address is that of *benchmarking* such models: although such models appear to be very capable in some respects, they fail on apparently simple tasks, in unpredictable ways. In short, we don't have a clear understanding of the capabilities and shortcomings of such systems - which raises concerns for their use.

ROLE PURPOSE

We are looking for a Senior Research Associate to support and enable the delivery of the Foundation Model theme, under the direction of Anthony Cohn, and in collaboration with Michael Wooldridge and Nigel Shadbolt.

The successful candidate will primarily focus on evaluating the extent to which, and the conditions under which existing Foundational Models can support common-sense reasoning (such as naive physics, spatial and temporal reasoning, the concept of agency, and causality). This work will be taken in parallel and in collaboration with researchers working on other aspects of the Foundation Models Pillar.

The candidate will join a vibrant team of researchers and will have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge projects and experts at leading universities.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Develop and implement new methods for representing, transforming, and analysing foundation models.
• Develop new project concepts and proposals and assume overall leadership for the delivery of research projects from inception to completion.
• Define the research direction in collaboration with Project Investigators
• Run computational experiments to analyse common sense reasons and understand the efficacy of new and existing analysis methods.
• Take the lead on writing up findings as they emerge, producing reports, and developing publications in peer reviewed journals, in collaboration with the research team.
• Keep on top of the state of the art in the relevant literatures, in particular at the intersection of Foundation Models and AI in the area of common sense reasoning.
• Present, disseminate and explain our work at internal and external events hosted by the Alan Turing Institute.

• A PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in Mathematics, Computer Science or a closely related discipline.
• A solid background in two or more of the following: use of Foundational Models such as GPT-3; AI-based methods for common sense reasoning methods such as naive physics, spatial and temporal reasoning, and causality; evaluation of AI systems.
• Track record of the ability to initiate, develop and deliver high quality research aligned with the research strategy and any industrial stakeholders and to publish in peer reviewed journals and conferences.
• Hands-on experience with Machine Learning methods
• Track record of outstanding research and delivering impact appropriate to career stage
• Experience in publishing research papers, code libraries or technical reports and giving presentations or classes on technical subjects.
• Ability to communicate complex, specialist or conceptual information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences

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 3-year fixed-term basis. The annual salary is £51,025-£52,500 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 £38,236 per annum.

The post can be based either at The Alan Turing Institute site in London, or at the University of Leeds. In either case you will need to travel to the other site when required (travel expenses will be paid as appropriate).

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 at [email protected].

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Sunday 5 March 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.

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]

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.