Senior Research Associate, Machine Learning for Environment and Sustainability

Alan Turing Institute London United Kingdom Research Programmes

Company Description

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.

Please find more information about us here.

Position

Currently, Turing is undergoing a restructuring, moving towards a challenge-led model with three Grand Challenges (Environment & Sustainability, Health, Defence & National Security), underpinned by cross-cutting Fundamental Research. This new Turing 2.0 model focuses on world-class science and innovation and aims to generate high-quality research and translate it into real-world impact and deployment.

In the Environment & Sustainability Grand Challenge, we will use machine learning and AI as a transformative technology to benefit planet and people. Initially the Grand Challenge will centre around using machine learning and AI for:

1. Weather modelling and forecasting (e.g., data assimilation, forecasts, downscaling, end-to-end forecasting).

2. Sea-ice modelling.

3. Modelling and forecasting of renewables, e.g., wind/solar.

4. Nuclear fusion.

We are seeking highly skilled Senior Research Associates for these areas with expertise in machine learning, AI, statistics, and one of the four application domains specified above.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Senior Research Associates will be key to conducting internationally leading research in machine learning for the research areas listed above. This role will be part of the Environment & Sustainability Grand Challenge, and you will be reporting to the project/mission lead and work closely with other Senior Research Associates, PhD students and interns within the same area. It may be necessary to manage a small group of PhD students and other early-career members of the team.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Play a leading role in undertaking high-quality research, actively contributing, and steering the broader research aims of the Environment & Sustainability Grand Challenge.
Analyse data and write computer code
Engage with stakeholders to ensure that research outcomes can be deployed in the real world.
Contribute to mission-led research in collaboration with team members and Principal Investigators (PIs).
Lead on the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g., for funding and contractual purposes.
Publish papers at relevant venues
Supervise the work of early-career researchers in the team and provide guidance as required
Line manage direct reports if required

Requirements

A PhD (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) in a relevant area, e.g., machine learning, AI, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, environmental science.
Experience in machine learning, programming
Evidence of high-quality publication(s) in a relevant field commensurate with your career stage
Excellent written and verbal communication
Ability to carry out research independently and take the lead on research direction in collaboration with the PIs
Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and in cross collaboration with other teams
Experience in modelling of complex environmental and/or sustainability systems e.g. weather, sea ice, renewables, nuclear fusion

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the role and person specification.

Other information

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.

The covering letter should address:

Why you are applying for this position
How you qualify for this position (see criteria under “Person Specification”)
A concrete research project (within the scope of this position) you would like to pursue (max. 2 pages plus references)
Publication list (if not covered in CV)

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 have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us on 020 3862 3335 or email [email protected].

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Sunday 15 September 2024 at 23:59 (LONDON, UK BST)

Interviews are expected to take place from week commencing 30 September 2024.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This post is offered on a full time, fixed-term basis for 3 years. Part-time (0.8 FTE) applications can be considered. The annual salary is £55,184 to £63,971 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, Employee-only benefits guide | The Alan Turing Institute .

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. The Turing operates a hybrid model. We would ideally like the successful candidate to be in our office (London) 3 days per week.

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 team to reflect this. We therefore welcome applications from the broadest spectrum of backgrounds.

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].

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