Mission Lead - Fundamental Research in AI for Physical Systems

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Job description

The Alan Turing Institute

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

BACKGROUND

Join us as we define a new era for The Alan Turing Institute. We will take a grand challenge-led approach to to science and innovation, harnessing the power of data science and AI to make lasting impact on the following three pressing societal issues:

1. Environment and sustainability. To address the climate and biodiversity crisis and the need for greater sustainability.
2. Defence and national security. To protect the UK, its people and the places they inhabit.
3. Transformation of health. To transform health and enable better outcomes for all.

Our Grand Challenges provide a common focus, mandate to prioritise and inspiration for diverse communities and capabilities to come together. They are underpinned by our work on Fundamental data science and AI research and supported by our Core Capabilities and Emerging Priorities.

Beneath each Grand Challenge, Missions constitute targeted problems which require portfolios of activity to be achieved.

ROLE PURPOSE

We are now looking for ambitious and inspirational scientific leaders, to drive the first mission within the Fundamental Research in AI and Data Science Priority Area: AI for Physical Systems. This role will report to the Science and Innovation Director for Fundamental Research in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and will form part of the Grand Challenge leadership team.

The role is ideally suited to candidates who are leading researchers in data science and machine learning with an outstanding track record in collaborative research across related disciplines, with deep interests in data-driven methods and/or approaches for tackling real-world problems, and a passion, entrepreneurial flair, and ambition to directly deliver impact where it is needed most.

To find out more about the Fundamental Research in AI and Data Science priority area click here Fundamental research in data science and AI The Alan Turing Institute

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Scientific Leadership and Team Management

• Develop the strategy and scope of the AI for Physical Systems mission for the Fundamental Research in AI and Data Science priority area.
• Break down the mission's vision into strategic and financial planning with ambitious and measurable goals.
• Lead the delivery of the mission, ensuring delivery against objectives.
• Manage, lead and inspire a team of researchers and professional staff across the mission to produce, deliver and deploy high-quality, high-impact research.

Communication and Networking:

• Convene Institute partners to maximise opportunities for translation and exploitation of the algorithms, software, methods, theories and tools developed through the mission.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders, liaising with the Institute's Programme Management team and associated delivery partners across the Institute and its wider network.
• Encourage the Institute's and the UK's wider research community within the area of AI for Physical Systems to work together to make a global impact and engage with wider academic and industrial research sectors.
• Help grow relationships with current and prospective funders and partners within mission-relevant areas.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• PhD or equivalent level of professional qualifications and/or experience in data science.
• Record of research excellence in an academic, government and/or industrial setting in the area of AI for Physical Systems.
• In depth understanding of the national data science and AI landscape, in the context of AI for Physical Systems.
• Demonstrable experience of income generation for large scale research initiatives.
• Demonstrable ability and vision to develop and deliver large strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrable ability to build and develop effective working relationships with partner organisations and working with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Experience of line management, and/or matrix management.

Please see our portal for a full breakdown of the Job Description.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This role will be appointed on a full-time, fixed term basis for 3 years (with the possibility of extension). Part-time applications can be considered (0.5 FTE minimum) and will be discussed further with the successful applicant. If taking the position on a part-time basis, you must be willing to commit at least 50% of your time to the Turing.

Secondments can be considered, while not preferred, and this will be discussed with the successful applicant.

The annual salary is from £89,598 with excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, Employee-only benefits guide The Alan Turing Institute .

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please see our jobs portal for full details on how to apply and the interview process.

EQUALITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

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 to find out how we can assist you.

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