Chief Scientist - AI for Scientific Discovery in Leeds

Chief Scientist - AI for Scientific Discovery in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time Working from home possible
Harnham

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead cutting-edge AI research to tackle science's biggest questions and shape the future of discovery.
  • Company: Join a mission-driven organisation at the forefront of AI and scientific innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, fully remote work, and opportunities for international travel.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in AI and science while leading a talented team of researchers.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in AI research and leadership in interdisciplinary teams.

Want to apply frontier AI research to science's biggest unanswered questions? Excited by leading world-class researchers across AI, biology and large-scale scientific datasets? Ready to shape the scientific direction of a globally recognised AI-for-science organisation?

We're partnered with a well-funded, mission-driven, 40-person research organisation using advanced AI to decode animal communication. Operating at the intersection of machine learning, bioacoustics and scientific discovery, the team is building foundation models trained on unique multimodal datasets to unlock new understanding of non-human communication. Backed by leading philanthropists and research partners, they combine frontier AI research with production-grade engineering. This is a rare opportunity to lead scientific strategy at executive level while advancing both AI capability and real-world scientific impact.

As Chief Scientist, you will report directly to the CEO and lead the organisation's scientific vision, research strategy and interdisciplinary AI research function. You'll oversee research leaders across AI, decoding and infrastructure while shaping how foundation models and large-scale AI systems accelerate scientific discovery.

Key Responsibilities
  • Define and execute the organisation's long-term AI research strategy
  • Lead and develop senior research leaders across Foundation Models, Research Infrastructure and Decoding
  • Drive the application of large-scale machine learning to scientific research challenges
  • Evaluate and guide foundation model development, deployment and research quality
  • Build external partnerships across academia, industry and scientific institutions
  • Communicate scientific strategy to executives, board members, donors and stakeholders
  • Grow research capability through hiring, mentoring and leadership development
Key Details
  • Salary Range: £200,000- £250,000
  • Working Model: Fully remote. Preference for Europe or US. International travel required for annual meetups, conferences and leadership activities.
  • Tech Stack: Foundation Models, LLMs, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Research Infrastructure, Multimodal AI, Audio AI, Bioacoustics Data, Large-Scale Data Platforms
  • Visa Sponsorship: Unavailable

Interested? Please apply below.

Chief Scientist - AI for Scientific Discovery in Leeds employer: Harnham

Join a leading UK-based media organisation at the forefront of digital transformation, where your role as Director of Streaming Product and Growth will be pivotal in shaping the future of their subscription services. With a strong emphasis on innovation and a collaborative work culture, you'll have access to significant growth opportunities, competitive salary packages, and a performance-based bonus structure, all while working in a dynamic environment that values data-driven decision making and customer-centric strategies.

Harnham

Contact Details:

Harnham Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Scientist - AI for Scientific Discovery in Leeds

Get Involved in Research Communities

Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!

Show Off Your Research Projects

Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Harnham, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.

Utilise Professional Networks

Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.

Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly

Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Harnham. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Scientist - AI for Scientific Discovery in Leeds

AI Research Strategy
Leadership Development
Foundation Models
Large-Scale Machine Learning
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Scientific Communication
Partnership Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Harnham. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.

Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.

Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Harnham. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harnham

Showcase Your Research Skills

In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Harnham. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.

Know Your Publications

If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.

Exhibit Your Team Spirit

In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Harnham to drive research projects forward.