Lecturer / Associate Professor of AI for Biodiversity Science

About us

The Division of Biosciences at UCL is a major centre for research and teaching in the biological sciences, fostering curiosity-driven research that spans molecules to ecosystems. Within Biosciences, the Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment (GEE) provides a world-leading environment for research and teaching across evolution, human genetics, healthy ageing, biodiversity and computational biology. We are recruiting a Lecturer (Assistant Professor equivalent) or Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Biodiversity Science to strengthen GEE’s capacity in AI-enabled, data-driven and predictive biodiversity science, supporting the support the growth of the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research’s People and Nature Lab at UCL East. This role also forms part of AI for Life, a major programme across Biosciences in computational and artificial intelligence-driven life sciences.

About the role

Rapid environmental change is transforming biodiversity and ecosystems worldwide, but our ability to process and integrate diverse ecological, environmental and genomic data to generate robust, decision-relevant insights remains limited. To address this, GEE seeks to appoint a new academic colleague to help define the next generation of biodiversity science through the development and application of AI. Based at the People and Nature Lab at UCL East, the successful candidate will develop novel and/or apply AI-enabled approaches to ecological, genomic and environmental data. This may include work with vision and acoustic sensors, genomic and other -omics data, remote sensing data, LiDAR, multimodal and spatiotemporal modelling, foundation models, interpretable AI or related approaches.

The successful candidate will establish (Grade 8) or expand (Grade 9) an independent, collaborative research programme within GEE with opportunities to contribute to a distinctive living lab environment at UCL East, and work across UCL with colleagues in computer science, geography, and health. We also welcome exceptional applicants working at the broader interface linked to other GEE research, provided they demonstrate strong quantitative and data science expertise and a clear vision for advancing the field. The post holder will be expected to secure competitive research funding, supervise and mentor postgraduate researchers, contribute to research-led teaching and develop external engagement with conservation organisations, policy bodies and other partners.

For informal queries about the post, please contact Professor Kate Jones (kate.). For queries about the application process, or to request reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for the job online, please contact the Faculty Human Resources Team on

About you

You will have a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field and an innovative research agenda in AI for biodiversity science, or in a closely related area at the interface of biodiversity, ecosystems and people, with clear quantitative and data science strength. You will have experience of research-led teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level, with a strong interest in interdisciplinary working, external engagement and translational impact. You will also show the potential to build collaborative partnerships, attract research funding, and contribute to an inclusive and ambitious academic environment.

What we offer: Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Customer advert reference: B02-10642

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