BOLD Fellow Full-time NEW

Bold Fellow

UCL is excited to partner with the University of Oxford and Imperial College London to create a truly exciting opportunity to join The British Open-ended Learning and Discovery (BOLD) Lab, a major new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded initiative that will establish a world-leading AI research laboratory at the University of Oxford. Oxford is taking a lead role in bringing together more than 80 researchers from Oxford, UCL and Imperial under one unified vision. Interested? Please read on. BOLD Lab will pursue ambitious, high-risk research to advance the fundamental science of artificial intelligence and address some of the field's most important challenges. We will create a unique collaborative environment where researchers, students and partners work together to develop transformative new ideas, train future leaders in AI, and strengthen the UK's position at the forefront of global AI research. We're aiming to unlock breakthroughs that could shape the future of AI and deliver lasting scientific, economic and societal impact. BOLD has an initial investment of around £8 million, with the potential to receive a further £22 million extending the investment over six years, BOLD Lab represents one of the UK's most ambitious investments in fundamental AI research. BOLD also has access to national compute resources (3M GPU hours on Isambard for the first 1.5 years) and we are working hard to get to 5000 H100 equivalent compute capacity in total across industry and government support.

About the Role

BOLD is building its founding team and we are looking for up to 12 exceptional, senior researchers as BOLD Fellows motivated in supporting this growth. We need people who have already established a strong, original research track record in AI or a closely related field, and who are ready to take on a high level of independence and responsibility: setting their own research direction, publishing at the highest level, and mentoring more junior researchers and doctoral students. We're looking for outstanding researchers not only in their own right, but who are motivated by more than personal output alone – people who care about the quality and originality of the science, and who also want to play an active part in building a research culture and community around it. As a BOLD Fellow, you will have exceptional independence, direct collaboration with world-leading colleagues across Oxford, UCL and Imperial, access to substantial and rapidly growing compute resources, and real influence over the intellectual direction and culture of a major national lab that is still being built. The BOLD Fellows will play a leading role in the management of the BOLD Lab and have responsibility for the development of its strategic and scientific direction. They should be a recognised authority in their field with primary responsibility for a programme of independent funded research projects. Fellows will co-lead the research group, delegating ongoing responsibilities, contributing to the overarching vision and managing staff performance. The postholder will engage in advanced study and academic research. The 12 posts will be employed across three Universities as we collaborate together. The post is funded by UKRI and is fixed-term for 12 months.

The UCL roles will be based in either UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering or UCL Computer Science.

Please visit the department websites for more information:

UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering | Faculty of Engineering

UCL Computer Science | Faculty of Engineering

About You

The successful candidates will hold a relevant Ph.D/D.Phil with significant post-qualification research experience or otherwise extraordinary research track record

You will demonstrate evidence of research achievement at the very highest international level, appropriate to a Grade 10 senior appointment, including a strong record of publications in top-tier venues in AI/machine learning and evidence of significant influence on the field, such as citation impact, invited talks, or awards

You will have evidence of potential for groundbreaking contributions in AI innovation, e.g. via contributions to open-source or entrepreneurship

What We Offer

As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits.

• 41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
• Relocation support for eligible posts
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
• Discounted medical insurance

Full details: Reward and Benefits | Work at UCL – UCL – University College London.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy.

UCL Computer Science are equally proud of our work in EDI and outreach, promoting equity, diversity and inclusion across our community and aiming to inspire, empower and engage people from all backgrounds. As the first computer science department in the UK to receive an Athena Swan Gold Award, we are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive environment for all staff and students.

UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.