At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking AI projects in chemistry and develop innovative digital olfaction technologies.
- Company: Join ARIA, a pioneering R&D agency transforming science and technology for societal benefit.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, hybrid work, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by catalysing technological breakthroughs in a dynamic field.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in AI for science, chemistry, or bioengineering required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 105000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 28 June 2026
Department: Programmes
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: London
Compensation: £70,000 - £105,000 / year
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.
Science and Technology Lead - AI for Chemistry (Digital Olfaction) employer: Aria
At ARIA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer a supportive environment with hybrid working arrangements, generous leave policies, and opportunities to engage in meaningful research that addresses global challenges. Join us to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to unlocking technological breakthroughs that benefit society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Science and Technology Lead - AI for Chemistry (Digital Olfaction)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and talks related to AI and chemistry. This is your chance to meet key players and showcase your passion for the field. Plus, you never know who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to chat about your ideas! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or collaborators, have a few innovative concepts up your sleeve. Show them how you can contribute to their projects and make a real impact in the world of digital olfaction.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After meeting someone, drop them a quick email to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest. It keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re genuinely keen on the opportunities available.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly gives you a better shot at standing out. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates from us!
We think you need these skills to ace Science and Technology Lead - AI for Chemistry (Digital Olfaction)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for the Science and Technology Lead role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in AI for chemistry and how it aligns with our mission at ARIA. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Showcase Your Skills:Use your application to demonstrate your technical skills and how they relate to the job. Whether it's your experience with sensor design or translating complex ideas, we want to know how you can contribute to our projects and goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials and can review them properly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for both of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aria
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AI models in chemistry, especially digital olfaction. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how it relates to the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights to offer.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to translate complex scientific ideas to various stakeholders, practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. Use analogies or relatable examples to make your points clear. This will demonstrate your strong communication skills and structured thinking.
✨Show Your Adaptability
The role requires someone who can thrive in uncertainty and a fast-paced environment. Prepare examples from your past where you've had to adapt quickly to changes or tackle unexpected challenges. This will highlight your ability to navigate diverse technical projects.
✨Engage with the Opportunity Space
Familiarise yourself with emerging trends in AI and chemistry. Be ready to discuss how you can identify and develop innovative ways to expand the opportunity space. Showing that you’re proactive about uncovering opportunities will set you apart as a candidate.
