Senior Research Associate, Machine Learning for Environment and Sustainability

Senior Research Associate, Machine Learning for Environment and Sustainability

The Alan Turing 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.

Background:
Currently, Turing is undergoing a restructuring, moving towards a challenge-led model with three Grand Challenges (Environment & Sustainability, Health, Defence & National Security), underpinned by cross-cutting Fundamental Research. This new Turing 2.0 model focuses on world-class science and innovation and aims to generate high-quality research and translate it into real-world impact and deployment.

In the Environment & Sustainability Grand Challenge, we will use machine learning and AI as a transformative technology to benefit the planet and people. Initially, the Grand Challenge will centre around using machine learning and AI for:

1. Weather modelling and forecasting (e.g., data assimilation, forecasts, downscaling, end-to-end forecasting).
2. Sea-ice modelling.
3. Modelling and forecasting of renewables, e.g., wind/solar.
4. Nuclear fusion.

You will be key to conducting internationally leading research in machine learning for the research areas listed above as part of the Environment & Sustainability Grand Challenge. You will be reporting to the project/mission lead and work closely with other Senior Research Associates, PhD students, and interns within the same area. It may be necessary to manage a small group of PhD students and other early-career members of the team.

Main duties:
• Play a leading role in undertaking high-quality research.
• Analyse data and write computer code.
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure that research outcomes can be deployed in the real world.
• Lead on the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g., for funding and contractual purposes.
• Publish papers at relevant venues.
• Supervise the work of early-career researchers and line manage direct reports if required.

Person Specification:
• A PhD (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) in a relevant area, e.g., machine learning, AI, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, environmental science.
• Experience in machine learning and programming.
• Evidence of high-quality publication(s) in a relevant field commensurate with your career stage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Experience in modelling complex environmental and/or sustainability systems e.g. weather, sea ice, renewables, nuclear fusion.

Terms and Conditions:
This post is offered on a fixed-term basis for 3 years. Part-time (0.8 FTE) applications can be considered. The annual salary is £55,184 to £63,971 plus 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. The Turing operates a hybrid model. We would ideally like the successful candidate to be in our office (London) 3 days per week.

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.