The Role
This role will form part of the Grand Challenge leadership team and be responsible for the leadership and delivery of a multi-million programme of directed activity.
The Mission Lead will be key to driving the Fundamental Research programme to explore, design, and develop new methodology aimed at super-charging the AI capabilities within the Grand Challenges, enabling them to push beyond the state of the art through fundamentally novel approaches. This role will be part of the Fundamental Research Grand Challenge, and you will be reporting to the Fundamental Research Director and will work closely with other (Senior) Research Associates, PhD students, interns and business team colleagues across the Grand Challenge. You will be required to manage a small group of Research Leads under the mission. You are also expected to engage with stakeholders, coordinate funding applications, and actively contribute to continual shaping and scoping of the mission.

Your Profile
We are now looking for an ambitious and inspirational scientific leader to drive forward the aims of the Fundamental Research programme with an initial focus on developing the next generation of fundamental ML and AI methods, tools and theory to enable modelling, prediction and control of physical systems.

You will have:

• PhD or equivalent level of professional qualifications and/or experience in data science (broadly defined to include mathematics, statistics, computer science pure or applied) or related quantitative discipline.
• Record of research excellence in an academic, government and/or industrial setting in the area of AI for Physical Systems.
• In-depth understanding of the national data science and AI landscape, in the context of AI for Physical Systems.
• Demonstrable experience of income generation for large scale research initiatives.
• Demonstrable ability and vision to develop and deliver large strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrable ability to build and develop effective working relationships with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience of line management, and/or matrix management.
• Clear and effective communication skills.

Main Duties

• Develop the strategy and scope of the AI for Physical Systems mission for the Fundamental Research Grand Challenge in support of the Institute’s objectives.
• Break down the mission’s vision into strategic and financial planning with ambitious and measurable goals.
• Lead the delivery of the Fundamental Research mission, ensuring delivery against objectives within allocated budgets and timeframes.
• Manage, lead and inspire a team of researchers and professional staff across the mission.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Lead and contribute to efforts of generating mission funding through a diverse range of sources.

Please see our portal for a full breakdown of the role.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 23:59 (London, UK GMT)
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early or to interview suitable candidates before the closing date if enough applications are received.

Application Procedure
If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button, it will take you to our job portal. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. The covering letter should address:

• Why you are applying for this position
• How you qualify for this position (see criteria under “Person Specification” in the Job Description document on our job portal)
• Publication list (if not covered in CV)

Terms and Conditions
This role will be appointed on a full-time, fixed term basis for 3 years (with the potential to be extended).
Part-time applications can be considered (0.8 FTE minimum) and will be discussed further with the successful applicant.
Secondments can be considered on an interim basis only, before engaging in a direct employment contract. You must be willing to commit at least 80% of your time to the Turing with a maximum of 20% of your time working on non-conflicting activities at your home organisation.
The annual salary is from £89,598 (pro-rated to the hours worked) with excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies.

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. While the Turing operates a hybrid working model you will be expected to spend time there each month to connect to your peer group and to work with teams across the Institute.

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 building a diverse community and would like our leadership team to reflect this. We therefore welcome applications from the broadest spectrum of backgrounds.
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.