Senior Research Associate (Prob AI Hub)

We invite applications for a 3 year Post-Doctoral Research Associate position at Lancaster University to join the Prob_AI Hub. The vision of the Prob_AI Hub is to develop a world-leading, diverse and UK-wide research programme in probabilistic AI. The hub will develop the next generation of mathematically-rigorous, scalable and uncertainty-aware AI algorithms. This will be achieved through: bringing together world-leading researchers across Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Probability and Statistics, who engage with a range of non- academic partners; transforming the people pipeline; and producing a culture change within the mathematical sciences more broadly, so that cross-disciplinary mathematics research in AI is the norm.  

This £8.5M programme is funded by EPSRC and brings together research groups from the Universities of Lancaster, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester and Warwick. Interaction between the research groups at the six universities will be strongly encouraged and resourced, with broad research projects to involve substantial cross-institutional collaborations. 

You should have, or be close to completing, a PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Machine Learning or a related discipline. The Prob_AI Hub’s research programme involves developing mathematical understanding of AI that will lead to more reliable, interpretable and uncertainty aware AI methods. We are keen to encourage applications from anyone with the mathematical skills needed to undertake such research. Experience working in AI, whilst desirable, is not required. Relevant mathematical background includes, but is not limited to: Bayesian statistics, computational statistics, probability and statistical machine learning. You will have demonstrated the ability to develop either new methodology or new mathematical understanding and will have strong computational skills. A demonstrable ability to produce academic writing of the highest publishable quality is essential.  

This is a full-time position, though we will consider applicants requesting part-time or other flexible working arrangements. We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups. 

Candidates who are considering making an application are strongly encouraged to contact Paul Fearnhead (p.fearnhead@lancaster.ac.uk), to discuss the programme in greater detail. Further details can be found at https://www.probai.uk 

Closing Date: 23 Mar 2025

Department: Research

Salary: £39,105 to £45,163 (Full time, indefinite with end date)