At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking AI projects in chemistry and develop innovative olfactory 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 olfactory perception.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in AI, chemistry, or related fields 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
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.
Science and Technology Lead - AI for Chemistry (Olfactory Perception) employer: Aria
At ARIA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Kings Cross, London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive learning opportunities, hybrid working arrangements, and generous benefits including enhanced family leave and a supportive environment for personal development. Join us to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to unlocking technological breakthroughs that can change the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Science and Technology Lead - AI for Chemistry (Olfactory Perception)
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like Aria. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like Aria to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to Aria, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like Aria and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Science and Technology Lead - AI for Chemistry (Olfactory Perception)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at Aria. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aria
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to Aria and the Science and Technology Lead - AI for Chemistry (Olfactory Perception) role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
