Director, Scaling Inference Lab — Hybrid AI Infrastructure

Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working 60/40 (office/home)

Flexible working options

2 days of volunteer leave

Generous pension

Office in Kings Cross

Job summary

Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) is seeking a Scaling Inference Lab Director to oversee the ARIA-backed, £50m testbed for next-generation AI hardware. You will lead delivery, governance and partnerships, while aligning with the Scaling Compute Programme and ensuring long-term sustainability of the Lab.

The role supports full-time or flexible fractional commitments (80% or 25–50%), with a two-year fixed term and potential extension, and requires regular UK travel.

Qualifications

• Deep credibility in large-scale compute, AI infrastructure, supercomputing or closely related field.
• Strong track record of leading complex R&D programmes, projects or portfolios.
• Ability to turn ambitious objectives into practical, credible plans.
• Strong networks across the UK and international compute ecosystem.
• Technical breadth across the AI infrastructure stack — from models and software to hardware.
• Excellent judgement, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Public-service mindset and motivation to work on nationally important capability.
• Ability to work with focus and autonomy in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment, including 80% or 25-50% fractional commitment.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the successful management and delivery of the Scaling Inference Lab, working closely with ARIA teams, project leads and delivery partners.
• Set and drive the programme’s path to scale, including its operating model, long-term funding approach and governance arrangements.
• Represent ARIA in the relevant CommonAI governance structures and external partnerships as ARIA’s senior representative for the programme.
• Maintain a clear view of delivery, progress, risks and opportunities across the programme’s existing portfolio, and use evidence and judgement to guide decisions, unblock delivery and strengthen impact.
• Build and convene a high-quality network across academia, AI and compute infrastructure, industry, government, funders and the wider technical ecosystem.
• Develop trusted relationships with the institutions, funders and partners needed to support the Scaling Inference Lab’s growth and long-term sustainability.

Job description

Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) is seeking a Scaling Inference Lab Director to oversee the ARIA-backed, £50m testbed for next-generation AI hardware. You will lead delivery, governance and partnerships, while aligning with the Scaling Compute Programme and ensuring long-term sustainability of the Lab.

The role supports full-time or flexible fractional commitments (80% or 25–50%), with a two-year fixed term and potential extension, and requires regular UK travel.