At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI research to enhance clinical trust and safety in healthcare technology.
- Company: Join Tortus AI, a pioneering company transforming healthcare with innovative AI solutions.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, latest tech equipment, and flexible working options.
- 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, experience in healthtech, and knowledge of clinical domains.
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 in London employer: TORTUS
Contact Detail:
TORTUS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal AI Researcher in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend conferences, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. Building connections can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Consider giving talks or writing articles about your research. This not only boosts your credibility but also gets you noticed by potential employers like us at Tortus AI.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in their work and how you can contribute, especially in areas like clinical AI.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission to transform healthcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal AI Researcher in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and its impact on healthcare shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission at Tortus AI, so don’t hold back on sharing your journey in this field!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal AI Researcher role. Highlight relevant research, publications, and experiences that directly relate to the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Tortus team!
How to prepare for a job interview at TORTUS
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and publications. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with Tortus AI's mission of providing clinically safe and reliable AI. Highlight specific examples where your research has influenced product decisions or improved outcomes.
✨Understand the Clinical Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the clinical domain and the regulatory landscape in the UK/EU. This will help you engage credibly with stakeholders and demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced in healthcare. Bring insights on how your expertise can address these challenges.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Prepare to discuss your experience working at the intersection of research and product. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with engineering teams to influence architectural decisions. Emphasise your ability to guide without owning, showcasing your leadership style.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Expect deep technical discussions around non-deterministic systems and model failure. Brush up on your knowledge in uncertainty quantification and evidential deep learning. Be prepared to propose enhancements based on your research that could improve existing architectures.