Science and Technology Lead - AI for Chemistry (Digital Olfaction)

Application Deadline: 28 June 2026

Department: Programmes

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London

Compensation: £70,000 - £105,000 / year

Description Salary Levels: £70,000, £90,000, £105,000 (offers will be calibrated on benchmarked experience levels and assessment against our selection criteria)

Location: Kings X, London; Tues - Thurs (3 days) at HQ, Monday + Friday, anywhere

ARIA is a new R&D funding agency built to unlock technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world‑class R&D in new ways so we can meet these challenges head on. Join us to help make breakthroughs possible.

Role Summary: As an ARIA Science and Technology Lead, you will catalyse breakthroughs that could change the world. You'll sit alongside the Programme Director and Programme Specialist on ARIA's Hypersensory Intelligence: Olfactory Perception programme. You’ll be involved in every aspect of the programme’s technical management from design through approval, project selection, and delivery. Your impact extends beyond a single programme; you will strengthen the wider portfolio and drive the development of technologies that accelerate discovery and build on existing ARIA‑funded technologies. We’re looking for an adaptable technical professional who is strongly motivated by the opportunity to catalyse a technological step change.

What you'll do:

• Develop general‑purpose artificial “sense of smell” technologies that match or exceed biological performance.
• Review project proposals and grant applications, assess technical milestones, and stay close to what is being built.
• Plan, lead, and contribute to technical discussions in meetings, workshops, and reviews.
• Provide evidence‑based technical insight to the Programme Director and support decision making.
• Communicate complex scientific ideas to stakeholders, from government and funders to key players.
• Contribute technical expertise in areas such as robot locomotion and other cutting‑edge capabilities.
• Identify emerging trends and surface promising technologies, people, and ideas.
• Co‑author white papers, open calls, and technical reviews.
• Work closely with the Programme Specialist and Creator teams to track progress and benchmark against the state of the art.
• Maintain continuity in the opportunity space and provide deep understanding of past and present programmes.
• Represent the programme at events, workshops, and talks.
• Build cross‑disciplinary communities working across AI algorithm development and hardware development.
• Support the broader opportunity space by identifying and developing innovative ways to expand it.
• Build relationships with researchers, labs, and founders at the forefront of the focus area.
• Work closely with Activation Partners to ensure teams have the right tools and networks.
• Collaborate on funding models, budgets, tooling, and operational mechanisms.
• Share best practices and learnings between programmes.
• Identify opportunities to expand the opportunity space.
• Help build and sustain ARIA’s scientific and operational culture.

Who you are:

Essential Criteria:

• First‑hand experience developing AI models for applications in chemistry, preferably digital olfaction or volatile chemistry.
• Strong understanding of one or more: sensor design, biological system modelling, analytical chemistry, sample preparation, neuroscience.
• Excellent at navigating diverse technical projects.
• Excellent at translating complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to ask questions and rapidly learn new scientific areas.
• Ability to uncover opportunities and risks, connecting teams and ideas.
• Highly adaptable, comfortable with uncertainty and fast pace.
• Strong communication skills and structured thinking.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with advanced chemical sensing arrays, electronic noses, or analytical instruments (e.g., GC‑MS, PTR‑MS).
• Experience in a high‑performance, applied research setting in academia or industry.
• Successful performance of technical assignments requiring unconventional approaches.
• Skill in identifying technical bottlenecks, risk analysis, and reporting on complex projects.
• Experience in indirect technical leadership, building relationships with Creator teams.
• Strong knowledge of the UK R&D ecosystem.

Qualifications:

• Scientific qualification, preferably PhD or comparable deeper technical experience in AI for science, chemistry, biochemistry, or bioengineering.

Benefits:

• 27 days annual leave provision, with option to buy or sell additional days.
• Hybrid working arrangements: 60% in office, 40% at home.
• Supportive environment for learning and development.
• Enhanced family leave arrangements.
• A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme.
• 2 days of paid volunteer days.
• 5% defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• An excellent office location in Kings X, London.

We encourage applications from a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing any requests will have no negative impact on your recruitment process. You will be required, as and when necessary, to travel to different locations around the UK and internationally to support projects. ARIA adopts a considered approach to ethical and social responsibility. Our research and development activity will abide by the 3Rs principle.