Head of AI Research | High-Growth Start-Up | London in England

Head of AI Research | High-Growth Start-Up | London in England

England Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead AI research and innovation, shaping technology and team dynamics.
  • Company: Exciting high-growth start-up in London redefining intelligent systems.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunity to shape the future of AI.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on hands-on problem-solving and experimentation.
  • Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment and make a real impact on cutting-edge AI projects.
  • Qualifications: MSc or PhD in relevant fields and 5+ years of experience in AI research and engineering.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

We’re seeking a Head of AI Research to spearhead the technical vision and growth of an ambitious, well‑funded early‑stage start‑up redefining what’s possible with intelligent systems. You’ll lead a world‑class team of researchers and engineers, setting the direction for AI innovation while staying close to the code and experiments that make it happen.

This is a rare opportunity to join at a pivotal stage of the company’s journey - where your decisions will shape both the technology and the team from the ground up.

What You’ll Bring

  • MSc or PhD in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related quantitative field.
  • 5+ years working at the intersection of research and engineering, translating state‑of‑the‑art AI into production systems.
  • Proven leadership experience – mentoring researchers, building high‑performance AI teams, and setting technical roadmaps.
  • Strong programming expertise in Python, C++, Rust, or Java.
  • Publication record at leading AI/ML conferences or journals (e.g. NeurIPS, ICLR, CVPR, ICCV, ICRA).
  • Clear communication skills, capable of bridging the gap between research depth and business strategy.
  • A builder’s mindset – hands‑on, experimental, and eager to solve complex problems with pragmatic AI solutions.
  • Preference for on‑site collaboration in London, contributing to a fast‑moving, high‑energy environment.

Why Join

As Head of AI Research, you’ll define the core research agenda, establish best practices for experimentation and deployment, and ensure AI becomes a key driver of innovation across the organisation. You’ll work with founders, product leaders, and engineers to turn breakthrough ideas into real‑world impact.

Seniority Level: Director

Employment Type: Full‑time

Job Function / Industry: Information Technology – Software Development

Head of AI Research | High-Growth Start-Up | London in England employer: Oho Group Ltd

Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, offering a competitive salary of up to £200,000 for the role of Software Engineer. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and a supportive remote work culture that fosters creativity and teamwork. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the flexibility of working from anywhere.

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Contact Details:

Oho Group Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of AI Research | High-Growth Start-Up | London in England

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend AI and tech meetups, conferences, or workshops in London. It's a great way to meet industry leaders and potential colleagues who can give you the inside scoop on job openings.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, publications, and any innovative AI solutions you've developed. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to current employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and express your enthusiasm for the company. It could give you an edge!

Tip Number 4

Keep it local! We recommend applying through our website for the best chance at landing that Head of AI Research role. Tailor your application to highlight your leadership experience and hands-on approach to AI innovation.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of AI Research | High-Growth Start-Up | London in England

AI Research
Machine Learning
Computer Science
Robotics
Leadership
Mentoring
Technical Roadmapping

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for AI:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and machine learning shine through. We want to see how your experiences and projects reflect your love for the field and your vision for its future.

Highlight Leadership Experience:Make sure to emphasise your leadership skills and experience in building high-performance teams. We’re looking for someone who can mentor others and set a clear technical direction, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to align with our job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills and experiences directly to what we’re looking for.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Oho Group Ltd

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and breakthroughs in AI and machine learning. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role. This is your chance to show off your expertise and passion for the field!

Show Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored others in your previous roles. Highlight your experience in building high-performance teams and setting technical roadmaps. This will demonstrate that you're not just a tech whiz, but also a great leader.

Communicate Clearly

Practice explaining complex AI concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to bridge the gap between research and business strategy, so being able to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders is key. Think about how you can make your ideas accessible and engaging.

Be Hands-On and Experimental

Emphasise your builder’s mindset during the interview. Share stories about how you've tackled complex problems with practical AI solutions. Show that you're not afraid to get your hands dirty and experiment with new ideas, as this aligns perfectly with the start-up's culture.