Principal AI Researcher

Principal AI Researcher

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Tortus AI LTD

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead AI research to enhance clinical trust and safety in healthcare.
  • Company: Join Tortus AI, a pioneering company transforming healthcare with innovative AI solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, flexible work options, and the latest tech equipment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth into leadership roles as the company scales.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare by shaping the future of AI in medicine.
  • Qualifications: Strong research background in AI, clinical NLP, and experience in fast-paced environments.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

About Tortus AI

At Tortus we work with clinicians and hospitals to provide clinically safe and reliable AI. We use speech-to-text and LLM models to infer information about a patient visit and provide verified documentation and actions — eliminating the documentation burden that costs clinicians hours every day. We've recorded over 1 million consultations. Clients include London Ambulance Service and a large proportion of UK GP surgeries. We are now entering our next phase: an AI doctor product and a ~£30M Series A raise.

About the role

Senior research leadership at the intersection of product and science. You will define the AI research agenda, engage deeply with product on architectural choices, propose enhancements grounded in research, and technically guide the product engineering function in implementing those changes. You will also represent Tortus externally through publications and thought leadership — strengthening our credibility as a serious AI company operating in a high‑stakes clinical domain.

What you'll do

  • Define and lead the AI research agenda: clinical trust, safety, evidence-based AI, non‑deterministic system design
  • Partner with product on architectural decisions — bringing a research perspective to shape the approaches we choose, not just validate them after the fact
  • Propose enhancements to existing architectures and technically guide product engineers in implementing them
  • Publish original research; contribute to the clinical AI academic community
  • Represent Tortus at conferences and with clinical and regulatory stakeholders
  • Contribute to our Class IIa medical device submission
  • Set the technical bar for AI hiring as the team scales

What we're looking for

  • Strong research track record: publications, patents, or equivalent in uncertainty quantification, evidential deep learning, multi‑agent systems, clinical NLP, or trust modelling
  • Track record working at the research/product interface — you can engage credibly with engineering teams and influence implementation without owning it
  • Experience reasoning about non‑deterministic systems and building defensively against model failure
  • Comfortable in a fast‑moving, commercial healthtech environment

Nice to have

  • Experience with regulated AI or medical device software
  • Familiarity with UK/EU AI regulatory landscape (MDR, UKCA, MHRA)
  • Clinical domain knowledge

What does wild success look like?

In 12–18 months, you have published at least two peer‑reviewed papers that are cited in the clinical AI community and referenced in our Series A materials. The product team regularly seeks your input before committing to architectural decisions. You have built a research function that gives Tortus a credible voice in responsible clinical AI — and that directly shapes what we ship.

Where does this role take you?

This is a role with significant upside as Tortus scales. You could grow into Chief AI Officer as the research function expands, or shape a centre of excellence in clinical AI that attracts external researchers and clinical collaborators. The work you do here will influence how AI is used in medicine at scale.

What we offer

  • 28 days holiday + bank holidays
  • Latest MacBook and the right equipment
  • Office‑first culture based at Holborn Town Hall — typically Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in office; Monday and Friday flexible
  • The chance to genuinely transform healthcare

Principal AI Researcher employer: Tortus AI LTD

At Tortus AI, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of healthcare innovation, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions can genuinely transform the medical landscape. With a strong emphasis on research and collaboration, our office-first culture in Holborn Town Hall fosters creativity and engagement, while our commitment to employee growth provides opportunities for advancement into leadership roles such as Chief AI Officer. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team that values your expertise and encourages you to make a meaningful impact in clinical AI.
Tortus AI LTD

Contact Detail:

Tortus AI LTD Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal AI Researcher

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Tortus AI. Attend relevant conferences and events where you can meet potential colleagues and showcase your expertise.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your research chops! Prepare a portfolio of your publications and projects that highlight your experience in clinical AI. This will help you stand out when discussing your fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to chat about your vision! When you get the chance to speak with the team, share your ideas on how to shape the AI research agenda at Tortus. They’ll love hearing your thoughts on enhancing their product.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Tortus team.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal AI Researcher

AI Research
Clinical NLP
Evidential Deep Learning
Uncertainty Quantification
Multi-Agent Systems
Trust Modelling
Architectural Decision-Making
Technical Guidance
Publication of Original Research
Regulatory Knowledge (MDR, UKCA, MHRA)
Experience with Medical Device Software
Engagement with Engineering Teams
Non-Deterministic System Design
Fast-Moving Healthtech Environment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Research Skills: Make sure to highlight your research track record in your application. We want to see your publications, patents, or any equivalent work that showcases your expertise in areas like uncertainty quantification or clinical NLP. This is your chance to shine!

Connect the Dots Between Research and Product: When writing your application, emphasise your experience at the intersection of research and product. We’re looking for someone who can engage with engineering teams and influence decisions, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.

Be Clear About Your Vision: In your application, don’t just list your skills—tell us how you envision leading the AI research agenda at Tortus. We want to know how you plan to contribute to clinical trust and safety, and how your ideas can shape our product.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!

How to prepare for a job interview at Tortus AI LTD

✨Know Your Research Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and any relevant publications. Be prepared to discuss how your work aligns with Tortus AI's mission of providing clinically safe and reliable AI, especially in areas like uncertainty quantification and clinical NLP.

✨Engage with Product Thinking

Understand the intersection of research and product development. Think about how your research can influence architectural decisions and be ready to propose enhancements that are grounded in evidence-based AI. Show them you can bridge the gap between theory and practical application.

✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills

This role requires senior research leadership, so be prepared to discuss your experience in guiding teams and influencing engineering decisions. Share examples of how you've successfully led research initiatives and collaborated with product teams in the past.

✨Stay Updated on Regulatory Standards

Familiarise yourself with the UK/EU AI regulatory landscape, especially if you have experience with regulated AI or medical devices. Being able to discuss these regulations will show that you understand the high-stakes environment Tortus operates in and can contribute to their Class IIa medical device submission.

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