This is an 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.
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. The programme 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. Through its pioneering approach, BOLD Lab aims to unlock breakthroughs that could shape the future of AI and deliver lasting scientific, economic and societal impact. Supported by an initial investment of around £8 million, with the potential to receive 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.
BOLD is seeking to appoint twelve exceptional, senior researchers as Fellows. We are looking for 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. These positions are for researchers who are not only outstanding 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.
These vacancies have arisen because BOLD is building its founding team following its launch. This is a rare opportunity to shape a founding cohort from the outset, and we are looking for candidates motivated in supporting this growth. As a 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 post holder plays a leading role in the management of the BOLD Lab and has responsibility for the development of its strategic and scientific direction. A recognised authority in their field with primary responsibility for a programme of independent externally funded research projects. The post holder co-leads 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 twelve posts will be employed over all three Universities as we collaborate together.
- Hold a relevant PhD/D.Phil with significant post-qualification research experience or otherwise extraordinary research track record
- Evidence of research achievement at the very highest international level, 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
- Evidence of potential for groundbreaking contributions in AI innovation, e.g. via contributions to open-source or entrepreneurship
- Experience of managing research projects and staff or equivalent
- Provide evidence of an established international publication record
Please see job description for a full list of requirements.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchersas well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
- As a member of research staff, you have 10 development daysto use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networksand resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Full-time, Fixed term contract to start Jan 2027 for up to 12 months.
The recruitment process is being managed by the University of Oxford. The selection panel will include representatives from all three Universities. If you are offered a post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks relevant to that University. This will include standard checks such as providing proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated.
Please submit your application using the following link: Job Details
For informal enquiries about this position or regarding the application process contact Jamie Perrins: [email protected]
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