Research Fellowship (AI), Imperial Policy Forum
Research Fellowship (AI), Imperial Policy Forum

Research Fellowship (AI), Imperial Policy Forum

London Full-Time 46000 - 57000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking AI research and deliver expert training to government officials.
  • Company: Join Imperial College London, a top global university driving impactful scientific advancements.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 39 days off, and access to dedicated career support.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making a real difference in AI policy and government understanding.
  • Qualifications: PhD or equivalent expertise in AI, machine learning, or related fields required.
  • Other info: This is a fixed-term position with potential for extension; apply early to secure your chance.

The predicted salary is between 46000 - 57000 £ per year.

The Imperial Policy Forum are recruiting research Fellows to work on an exciting new initiative connecting research in fundamental and applied AI to policy. Fellows will conduct their own research programme as well as support in the delivery of AI upskilling and expertise transfer to government. There are 3 positions available with a duration of 3 years.

What you would be doing

  • Deliver ground-breaking research in fundamental and applied AI that is directly relevant to policy.
  • Develop and deliver expert-led training on AI to civil servants across government.

Fellows will spend 50% of their time on each of:

  • Their own research programme – either self-directed, supported by the multidisciplinary team at the Imperial Policy Forum, or in collaboration with one of the AI research groups at Imperial College.
  • Supporting the delivery of AI upskilling and expertise transfer to government – through co-developing and delivering training courses, working on applied research projects that respond to policy questions, part-time or short-term secondments into government and third sector organisations, and collaboration with secondees into the Imperial Policy Forum.

What we are looking for

We are a multidisciplinary team, and applications from social scientists, AI researchers, and policy experts are strongly encouraged. AI here should be interpreted very broadly: it could include any of (but is not limited to) fundamental research in machine learning or statistics, algorithm design, the application of AI methods in science, healthcare, social sciences, or business.

You should have a PhD or equivalent level of expertise in a relevant discipline, and a track record in one of the following areas, with evidenced interest in developing the others:

  • Original research in AI, machine learning, or a related field.
  • Policy-relevant work in AI or a related field.
  • Effective communication of complex scientific ideas to a non-technical audience.

Application should include:

  • A short CV.
  • A summary, in one page or less, of your proposed research. This should be suitable for a general scientific audience.
  • A description of your proposed research, of at most two pages, aimed at experts in that field.
  • A short note, of at most one page, that describes a policy challenge or recent scientific advance related to AI, and its implications for UK government policy.
  • If you propose to deliver their research programme in collaboration with one of the AI research groups at Imperial, a statement of support from that research group.

What we can offer you

The opportunity to work in a unique multidisciplinary team focused on delivering positive impact to how government understands and uses AI. The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity. Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes). Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

A 2-year fixed-term position with the potential for a 12-month extension.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Pete Ford, Head of Imperial Policy Forum and Professor Tom Coates.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network. This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages. Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.

Research Fellowship (AI), Imperial Policy Forum employer: IMPERIAL COLLEGE

Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI research and policy impact within a vibrant multidisciplinary team. Located at the prestigious South Kensington Campus, employees benefit from a sector-leading salary, generous leave, and extensive career support, all while contributing to meaningful projects that shape government understanding of AI. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Imperial fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises personal and professional wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those seeking to make a lasting impact.
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Contact Detail:

IMPERIAL COLLEGE Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Fellowship (AI), Imperial Policy Forum

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the AI and policy sectors. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors. This can help you gain insights into the role and make valuable connections that could support your application.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with current AI policies and challenges faced by the UK government. Understanding these issues will not only enhance your research proposal but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its objectives during any interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Consider collaborating with existing AI research groups at Imperial College. Building relationships with these teams can provide you with insights and support for your research programme, making your application more compelling.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Practice explaining your research to non-technical audiences, as this skill is crucial for the role. You might even want to create a short presentation or video summarising your work to showcase your communication abilities.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellowship (AI), Imperial Policy Forum

PhD or equivalent expertise in AI, machine learning, or a related field
Original research experience in AI or machine learning
Policy analysis and development skills
Effective communication of complex scientific ideas to non-technical audiences
Experience in developing and delivering training programmes
Collaboration skills within multidisciplinary teams
Ability to conduct applied research relevant to policy questions
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of algorithm design and statistical methods
Experience in engaging with government or third sector organisations
Project management skills
Adaptability to work in a hybrid environment
Interest in the implications of AI for public policy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in AI, machine learning, or policy work. Emphasise any original research or communication skills that align with the job description.

Craft a Clear Research Summary: Prepare a concise one-page summary of your proposed research that is accessible to a general scientific audience. Focus on clarity and relevance to policy implications.

Detail Your Proposed Research: In your two-page description aimed at experts, delve into the specifics of your research methodology, expected outcomes, and how it connects to current AI challenges in policy.

Address Policy Challenges: Write a short note describing a relevant policy challenge or recent scientific advance related to AI. Discuss its implications for UK government policy to demonstrate your understanding of the field.

How to prepare for a job interview at IMPERIAL COLLEGE

✨Understand the Role and Its Impact

Familiarise yourself with the objectives of the Research Fellowship, especially how your research can influence policy. Be prepared to discuss how your background in AI or related fields can contribute to the goals of the Imperial Policy Forum.

✨Prepare Your Research Proposal

Craft a clear and concise summary of your proposed research that is suitable for a general audience. Make sure you can articulate its significance and relevance to current policy challenges, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

✨Showcase Collaboration Skills

Highlight any previous experiences where you've worked in multidisciplinary teams or collaborated with government bodies. This is crucial, as the role involves co-developing training courses and working on applied research projects with various stakeholders.

✨Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect questions about your technical expertise in AI, machine learning, or related fields. Brush up on recent advancements and be prepared to discuss how they could impact policy, showcasing your knowledge and passion for the subject.

Research Fellowship (AI), Imperial Policy Forum
IMPERIAL COLLEGE
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