Research Associate in Probabilistic AI

The role

We invite applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position to join the Prob_AI Hub. The vision of the Prob_AI hub is to develop a world-leading, diverse and UK-wide research programme in probabilistic AI. The hub will develop the next generation of mathematically principled, scalable and uncertainty-aware AI algorithms. This will be achieved through bringing together world-leading researchers across Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Probability and Statistics, who engage with a range of non- academic partners.

This particular role involves conducting methodological and theoretical research on conditional simulation from diffusion models using Sequential Monte Carlo and Markov chain Monte Carlo methodology.

This Prob_AI Hub brings together research groups from the Universities of Lancaster, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester and Warwick. This position at Bristol is available immediately, for a fixed term of 12 months or until January 31, 2029, whichever is earlier.

What will you be doing?

• Support and undertake research necessary to achieve the University of Bristol’s aims within the Prob_AI Hub. Specifically for this project, this will involve conditional simulation of diffusion models using Sequential Monte Carlo and Markov chain Monte Carlo. 
• Publish in leading machine learning, AI, statistical, mathematical, or appropriate application journals. 
• Contribute to publications in these journals jointly with other members of the project. 
• Engage with other partner institutions and industrial project partners. 
• Attend project meetings, events, workshops, and conferences. 
• Develop code that implements the methods developed to support reproducible research practice

You should apply if

You have:

• A relevant postgraduate research degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Machine Learning, or a related discipline, or possess equivalent professional experience.
• An interest in developing a mathematical understanding of AI to enhance the reliability, interpretability, and uncertainty awareness of AI methods.
• Expertise in both Sequential and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, and familiarity with conditional simulation using diffusion models.
• Technical and mathematical skills required for such research, regardless of prior AI experience.
• You can demonstrate the ability to develop new methodology or advance mathematical understanding.
• A demonstrated ability to produce academic writing of the highest publishable quality.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding for 12 months or until January 31 2029, whichever is earlier.

This is a full-time position, though we will consider applicants requesting part-time or other flexible working arrangements.

Work pattern: Full time/35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 4th January 2026.

For informal queries, please contact: Professor Anthony Lee, anthony.lee@bristol.ac.uk

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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