Director of Generative AI Laboratory and Chair of Generative AI

University of Edinburgh

Director of Generative AI Laboratoryand Chair of Generative AI

Competitive salary

We are looking for a world-leading researcher who will be at the heart of shaping the future of Generative AI at the University of Edinburgh. You will provide strategic leadership to bring to life our strategic vision to unite our world-leading research and innovation in AI to develop safe solutions and systems for industry and government and bring substantial benefits to those who use them.

Our new Generative AI Laboratory (GAIL), that you will lead, aims to develop techniques for generative AI in key areas such as robotics, drug discovery, medical diagnoses, semi-conductor development, and tackling climate change.

This new interdisciplinary initiative builds on 60 years of research into AI and Computer Science at the University. Since the first research group was established in 1963 working on AI Research, Edinburgh has been a world-leader in developing some of the systems that underpin generative AI, including machine learning and Natural Language Processing. Through GAIL we aim to create a unique ecosystem and infrastructure around (open source) Large Language Models, harnessing our expertise in Natural Language Processing and Generation, as well as Speech Technology. Combining this with our expertise in Machine Learning, extensive compute and data facilities (such as Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre (soon to be the home of the £900m Exascale) and Edinburgh International Data Facility), and complementary centres such as Creative Informatics and the Centre for Technomoral Futures, GAIL has the potential to make a significant impact in this area.

In this newly established role you will use your strong leadership skills to build an international and world-leading reputation for the University in Generative AI research and translational activities.

The role will be based in the School of Informatics, working across the University to develop close synergies with other schools, centres and academics across the University and build partnerships globally.

The successful candidate will be leading the GAIL laboratory, which is a major new investment from the University. Initial investment includes significant compute resources combined with funding to establish a solid group of researchers including: three open ended (tenured) academic positions, three tenure track research fellow positions and three fixed term research assistant positions; together with the appointment of professional services posts to support GAIL activity – a Manager of GAIL and a Communications Manager – alongside appointment of a PR agency to support the public relations strategy and campaigns; a Business Development Executive and a Computing Engineer.

If you join us, you’ll work with brilliant, knowledgeable colleagues from across the University and beyond. You’ll get the chance to work alongside colleagues from many different professional and personal backgrounds, and you’ll have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Generative AI at the University.

We’re looking for candidates with a proven track record in a subfield of Generative AI, such as natural language processing including large language models, computer vision, and/or machine learning; strong influencing and leadership skills that inspire broader engagement of researchers with public and private stakeholders to produce solutions to major problems; and a proven track record in knowledge exchange and impact activities in complex international and multi-stakeholder contexts.

The successful applicant will have a five year appointment as Director of GAIL, renewable by mutual agreements, and an open ended (tenured) appointment as Chair of Generative Artificial Intelligence.

We pride ourselves on a sense of community and support. That goes for our careers, too – whatever your goals, we’ll support you with exceptional coaching and mentoring while giving you opportunities to thrive.

As a University of Edinburgh employee, you’ll be able to take advantage of all kinds of benefits, including a substantial pension scheme, generous annual leave, flexible working patterns to allow you to achieve a good work life balance.
For more information on the University and the opportunity, please click on apply.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Katharine Price, Lauren Crichton or Donogh O'Brien at Aspen People.

Closing date for applications: Friday 16th February 2024.

Interviews: Wednesday 27th March 2024 (and visits two days prior).