Research Associate, AI Solutions for Identity Systems Fraud Detection

HOURS: 36

CLOSES: Tuesday 20^th August 2024 at 23:59 (London UK BST)

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

The successful candidate will work on the Trustworthy Digital Infrastructure for Identity Systems programme. They will work closely with the Principal Investigators, the Technical Development Manager, other PDRAs and programme management staff across the team. The project aims to enhance the privacy and security of national digital identity systems, with the ultimate foal to maximise the value to beneficiaries, whilst limiting known and unknown risks to these constituents and maintaining the integrity of the overall system. This multidisciplinary project and its efforts focus on the communities within developing economies and their adoption of identity systems.

The project and role sit within the Finance and Economics Programme which brings together leading experts in data science, machine learning, finance and the social sciences, from both academia and industry to tackle the most challenging questions by producing world-leading research with significant impact. The programme is led by the Programme Director, Lukasz Szpruch.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

This opportunity will suit a researcher with experience in the vulnerabilities within digital identity systems and the development of best practice solutions for their management. You will be knowledgeable on developing fraud detection methods through the investigation of both behavioural and biometric criteria and be comfortable with collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to create a suite of Digital Public Goods.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Publish and disseminate high-quality research papers and publications detailing research outputs and project case-studies.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders, liaising with teams across the Turing as required.
• Undertake high-quality research, contributing to the broader research aims of the Trustworthy Digital Infrastructure for Identity Systems programme.
• Take initiatives in the planning and execution of research, and identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the development and implementation of the existing programmes.
• Conduct data analysis and ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times. This will also include maintaining accurate and complete records of all findings.
• Continuously update your knowledge concerning the digital identity ecosystem, this includes staying up to date with the news, emerging policy, and regulation.
• Support the Principal Investigators (PIs) and Technical Development Manager in the design and development of the research programme and provide advice on best practice surrounding network building in the digital identity ecosystem. This also involves working closely with the research teams to represent and advocate for needs of those within the ID community.

Person Specification

• A PhD (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) in a relevant area which will include Mathematics, Computer Science or similar inter-disciplinary subjects.
• Research Assistant level: must be near completion of PhD in a relevant area which will include Mathematics, Computer Science or similar inter-disciplinary subjects.
• Knowledge of AI and machine learning techniques.
• Knowledge of synthetic data generation techniques.
• Knowledge of digital identity systems.
• Experience of data analysis and developing programs in software such as R or Python. This may have been gained in commercial environments, as well as through production of academic papers.
• Experience in publishing research papers, code libraries and technical reports. Publications must be in the area of mathematics, AI / ML, synthetic data generation and challenges associated with digital identity.

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

Terms and Conditions

This full-time post is offered on a fixed term basis until 31 December 2026. The annual salary is £44,180 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

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. In accordance with the Equality Act, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

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.