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- Tasks: Lead the creation of applied AI research and build a high-impact team.
- Company: Join a leading AI-driven energy technology platform transforming the energy grid.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity package, flexible working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Hybrid role based in London, Paris, or NYC with global opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy with cutting-edge AI research and real-world impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in Machine Learning and 7+ years in applied AI research leadership.
We're privileged to be helping the UK's leading energy technology platform to hire their first Head of Applied AI Research. The energy grid is one of the most complex, data-rich, highest-stakes systems on the planet. Our client has built the operating system for it. You've likely heard of them through their flagship client, who powers 40% of the UK energy market. They process 15 billion data points daily across 70 million households worldwide, hold $500m in contracted ARR, and are expanding rapidly across Europe, Australia, Japan and the US. They are, by any measure, the leading AI-driven energy technology platform in the world. They are now building their applied AI research function from scratch, and they need a technical leader to build it with them.
THE ROLE
Reporting directly to the Chief AI Officer, the Head of Applied AI Research will shape the company's AI research agenda, build and lead a team of applied AI researchers, and drive the creation of proprietary foundation models for energy. You will work at the intersection of frontier research and real-world product impact, partnering with product teams to translate research into commercial advantage, and contributing to M&A and strategic technology decisions at the executive level. This is not a publications role. It is a role for someone who wants to do serious science and see it matter.
WHAT YOU BRING
- PhD in Machine Learning from a leading research institution
- 7+ years leading applied AI research teams in a commercial environment with access to large-scale, unique data
- Deep expertise in at least two of: LLMs and foundation models (pretraining, fine-tuning, distillation), physics-informed neural networks, or reinforcement learning
- Experience with agent frameworks, tool-use planning and workflow orchestration
- Systems-level fluency across data pipelines, training infrastructure and inference (PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow)
- Strong MLOps discipline: CI/CD for models, offline/online evaluation, safety and guardrails
- The ability to influence at exec level and mentor senior technical talent
- Energy domain experience is a nice-to-have, not a requirement.
WHAT'S ON OFFER
- Base salary £200,000 - £300,000
- Significant equity package
- Flexible hybrid working
- 10% pension matching
- 16 weeks full-pay maternity leave, 12 weeks partner leave
- Private health insurance, L&D budget, flexible holiday policy
***THIS IS A HYBRID ROLE THAT CAN BE BASED IN LONDON, PARIS or NYC. WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FROM FOREIGN CANDIDATES WHO MEET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS***
ABOUT HIGHER
Higher is a specialist AI executive search firm. We work exclusively with companies building at the frontier of AI and deep tech. This search is being conducted confidentially on behalf of our client. To be considered, please apply or reach out directly to Kelly Gauthier at kelly@highersearch.co.
Head of Applied AI Research employer: Higher - AI recruitment
Contact Detail:
Higher - AI recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Applied AI Research
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend AI and tech meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, research, and any relevant work you've done in applied AI. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can translate your research into real-world applications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and interests. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Applied AI Research
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in applied AI research. Focus on your leadership roles and any projects that showcase your ability to work with large-scale data, as this is key for the Head of Applied AI Research position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell a story about your journey in AI research. Explain why you're passionate about the energy sector and how your skills can contribute to building the applied AI research function from scratch.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of projects where you've successfully led teams or developed models that had a real-world impact. This will demonstrate your capability to translate research into commercial advantage, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Higher - AI recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in applied AI research. Brush up on your knowledge of LLMs, foundation models, and MLOps practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a thought leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Applied AI Research, you’ll need to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past, especially in high-stakes environments. Highlight your ability to mentor senior technical talent and influence at the executive level.
✨Connect Research to Real-World Impact
This role is all about translating research into commercial advantage. Be ready to discuss how your previous work has led to tangible results or innovations. Use specific examples to illustrate how your research has made a difference in a commercial setting.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the energy sector and the company’s goals. Inquire about their current challenges in AI research and how they envision the new function contributing to their success. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.