Research Associate, UK Spatial, Climate and Health PPL Community

HOURS: 36

CLOSES: 2 June 2024 at 23:59

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

In 2022, the Alan Turing Institute signalled its intention to establish a portfolio of foundational AI research. An initial portfolio of research across three pillars, foundation models, game theory, and probabilistic programming, was launched in early 2023.

For the UK to achieve global leadership in Probabilistic Programming Languages (PPL), it is necessary to cultivate a self-sustaining research community. We will help realise this vision by supporting (1) conceptual advances in focal research areas of strategic importance to the UK (climate, health, and spatial modelling), (2) forecasting contests to build a community based around addressing policy needs, and (3) in-person and online training sessions.

We are looking for one Research Associate to support and enable the delivery of the “Programmable Inference” theme within the Probabilistic Programming Pillar. This theme will be directed by Will Pearse (Imperial College London), Seth Flaxman (University of Oxford) and Juliette Unwin (University of Bristol). The postholder will be based the Alan Turing Institute.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Undertake research focused around the use of probabilistic programming in biodiversity modelling
• Manage and support the forecasting contests to be run at the centre
• Organise and carry out in-person trainings
• Keep on top of the state of the art in the relevant literature in programmable inference, Bayesian inference, and uncertainty quantification.
• Disseminate research findings by publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals and through conference presentations and/or pubic-facing briefing notes

Person Specification

• PhD (or near completion) in Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• A solid background in one or more of the following: Bayesian inference, uncertainty quantification, programmable inference, biodiversity science.
• Experience in publishing research papers, code libraries or technical reports and giving presentations or classes on technical subjects.
• Excellent writing skills and a proven ability to communicate complex information/research findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences

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

Terms and Conditions

This full-time post is offered on a 30 months fixed-term basis. The annual salary is £44,180 - £49,966 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits 

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant at a salary of £41,352 per annum.

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. We expect staff to come to our office at least 4 days per month. Some roles may require more days in the office; the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

Application procedure

Please see our jobs portal (via the ‘Apply’ button above) 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 adjustments@turing.ac.uk to find out how we can assist you.

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