Distiguised Scientist, AI for Physical Systems

The Role

The Fundamental Research team is advancing AI for Physical Systems, developing foundational theory, methods and tools to improve how AI can model, predict and control physical systems.

We are looking for a Distinguished Scientist, AI for Physical Systems to provide scientific and strategic leadership for this high-priority research area. You will shape and lead an ambitious research portfolio spanning probabilistic modelling, uncertainty quantification, efficient architectures and embedding physical knowledge into machine learning models. Leading a multidisciplinary team of researchers and research engineers, you will take research from foundational methods through to deployment on real-world resilience challenges, while building collaborations across academia, government and industry. 

About You

You will be an internationally recognised research leader in machine learning for physical systems, with deep, hands-on expertise across areas such as probabilistic and generative modelling, neural operators, surrogate modelling, physics-informed machine learning and uncertainty quantification. You will bring an outstanding and sustained record of research contributions, alongside experience setting strategic research direction, leading complex collaborations and translating research into real-world impact. The successful candidate will have proven experience engaging with stakeholders and securing funding, while also leading a team through the developing and delivering of research software. You will combine hands-on scientific expertise with strong leadership, strategic judgement and the ability to build effective partnerships across academia, government and industry.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Set the scientific direction for AI for Physical Systems, defining and developing an ambitious research agenda aligned with Fundamental Research priorities.
• Build and lead a high-quality research portfolio, taking programmes from foundational research questions through to demonstrators and deployment.
• Build, lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams of researchers and research engineers, working alongside technical teams and partners to address challenging methodologies, maintain scientific quality and model excellent research practice.
• Translate research into real-world impact, applying AI for Physical Systems methods to operational problems, data and constraints, including secure or sensitive environments where required.
• Develop strategic partnerships and secure resources, building collaborations across academia, government and industry and helping to secure the funding, data, compute and facilities required to deliver the portfolio.
• Represent the Institute as a senior scientific authority for AI for Physical Systems, communicating scientific evidence to partners, boards and research audiences while monitoring emerging developments in the field

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

Terms and Conditions

This full-time post is offered on a permanent basis with an annual salary range of £96,000 - £115,000. Our offers include excellent benefits including flexible working and family friendly policies, which can be seen here.

Applications on a secondment basis (0.8 FTE) can also be considered, with salary pro-rated to the FTE commitment.

Application procedure

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

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

We value diversity of background, experience, and perspective, and are proud to be an inclusive employer. We warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from groups currently under-represented in our sector. If you feel passionate about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, please apply – we recognise that great candidates may bring strengths beyond the criteria listed. 

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