Research Assistant - Equitable AI

Named in honour of Alan Turing, the Institute is a place for inspiring, exciting work and we need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to use their skills to contribute to our mission to make great leaps in data science and AI research to change the world for the better. Please find more information about us here

Position

The successful candidate will conduct active research across projects within the multi-disciplinary Decentralisation and Democratisation of Technology challenge in the Finance and Economics Programme. The programme brings together leading experts in data science, machine learning, finance, and the social sciences, from both academia and industry.

The role will focus on developing solutions to support fair use of AI. The candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigators, the Technical Development Manager, other PDRAs and programme management staff across the team.

ROLE PURPOSE

When AI is incorporated into public infrastructure, results can be a highly efficient and user-centric ecosystem, however, it can also raise significant ethical and privacy concerns due to the potential sensitivity of the data in use.

This role will focus on identifying technical use cases and developing solutions that help address AI related issues that are attributed to hindering the progression of digital public infrastructure solutions, specifically for Digital Identity.

The post holder will support the research team in exploring concepts in focus but will have experience in the development of software solutions and AI/ML. They will be responsible for specific outputs including a tool for static code analysis that can monitor deep learning projects to analyse potential fairness issues, and via a graphical user interface, support developers explore bias and see the current issues.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Scope, pilot and deliver high-quality independent research activity under the direction of the Principal Investigators and Technical Development Manager and contribute to the broader research aims and challenges.
• Develop prototype software solutions that support the objectives of achieving equitable AI.
• Support relationship building, drive collaboration and engage with the broader Turing community and external project stakeholders on a regular basis, and if required project funder.
• Present, disseminate and explain technical topics to colleagues, external partners, and broader community by preparing and presenting reports, blog posts, organising and delivering presentation at internal and external events, and taking an active role in meetings and discussions.
• Publish – as a lead or co-author – peer reviewed articles detailing project’s research outputs and/or project case-studies, including reports and opinion or commentary articles, as appropriate.
• Travel nationally and international

Requirements

• A master’s degree or equivalent experience in Mathematics, Computer Science, or closely related discipline.
• Extensive knowledge of AI and machine learning techniques, as well as awareness of their limitations and the risks associated in their use.
• Ability to inspect and analyse the deep learning application codes written in different frameworks (e.g. Pytorch, Tensorflow)
• Experience with software development, including visual interface development (e.g. VSCode Extension Design, CLI tool development)
• Experience of data analysis and developing programs in software such as R or Python. This may have been gained in commercial or industrial environments, as well as through production of academic papers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate complex, specialist, or conceptual information/research findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences. This will include the ability to explain technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• An ability to collaborate successfully in a multidisciplinary environment across different levels of seniority.
• Ability to organise working time, take the initiative, and carry out research independently, under the guidance of the PI.

Other information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us at recruitment@turing.ac.uk.

If you are applying for more than one role at the Turing, please note that only one Cover Letter can be visible on your profile at one time. If you wish to apply for multiple roles and do not want to overwrite your existing Cover Letter, please apply for the role using the button below and forward your additional cover letter directly to recruitment@turing.ac.uk quoting the job title.

If you are an internal applicant and wish to apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter directly to recruitment@turing.ac.ukand your application will be considered.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Sunday 21 April 2024 at 23:59 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on a fixed term basis for 12 months. The annual salary is £40,148 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early or to interview suitable candidates before the closing date if enough applications are received.

QUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. In accordance with the Equality Act, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We are committed to building a diverse community and would like our leadership team to reflect this. We therefore welcome applications from the broadest spectrum of backgrounds.

We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at adjustments@turing.ac.uk to find out how we can assist you.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.

Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from HR@turing.ac.uk.

Attachments

Research Assistant, Equitable AI - Job Description.pdf