Head of AI Research

Cambridge Consultants; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology consultancy in the UK is seeking a Head of AI Research to drive innovative research projects and lead a talented team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in AI, proven technical leadership skills, and a robust network in the AI community. Responsibilities include developing research strategies, engaging with clients, and representing the organization externally. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI research within the company.

Benefits

Diverse and challenging work environment

Opportunities for publications and conferences

Qualifications

• Significant experience in leading successful AI research initiatives.
• Passion for AI with up-to-date knowledge of current approaches and trends.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive AI research strategy to identify impactful areas and suggest investments.
• Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Engage with clients to understand challenges and develop proposals.

Skills

AI research

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Industry networking

Education

STEM degree

Postgraduate education

Job description

Introduction

We are currently seeking a highly accomplished AI expert to join us as our Head of AI Research. Cambridge Consultants has world-class pedigree in AI development, with our work in this area having led to the creation of world-first and market-changing technologies including the likes of real-time AI-enhanced medical imaging and autonomous defence systems against cyberattacks. Our AI research has received global recognition, and we are now looking for someone who can continue to drive the next era of our evolution within the sector, leading our internal AI research initiatives and representing the organisation as a thought leader in the field.

You will be at the forefront of our AI strategy, driving innovative research projects that align with our business goals. You will guide a team of talented researchers, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and excellence. Your expertise will be crucial in identifying emerging trends, developing cutting-edge AI solutions, and ensuring our research efforts are both impactful and commercially valuable.

In addition to your technical leadership, you will serve as a credible and influential figure externally. This will include supporting conversations with clients, writing publications and attending conferences within the AI community, and showcasing our advancements at industry events. Your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively will help maintain Cambridge Consultants as a leader in AI research and innovation.

We offer a diverse, fun, and challenging work environment where you'll have the chance to shape the direction of the business, and work on a wide variety of projects that deliver real value using AI.
Job Details

As a key member of the AI leadership team, you will drive our AI research initiatives and help maintain Cambridge Consultants as a respected player in this rapidly evolving market.

This will involve:

• Driving our AI research strategy, identifying targeted areas where we can be impactful and proposing investment activities.
• Providing AI technical leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams alongside programme management peers to deliver high-innovation projects, both for our internal research and development activities and for our clients.
• Working as part of a dynamic team to engage with current and new clients to understand their challenges and to develop and present outstanding technical proposals for how we can solve their business challenges using AI.
• Representing Cambridge Consultants externally as a credible thought-leader to promote our capabilities and encourage new client enquiries.

Candidate Requirements

You will likely have significant experience derived from either a corporate or academic career, with a proven track record of leading successful AI research-driven initiatives. This will be evidenced by you having many of the following:

• A passion for AI with up-to-date knowledge of current approaches and industry trends.
• A proven track record in delivering cutting-edge AI research projects, in either an academic or industry setting.
• An extensive network of connections within the field of AI research.
• A strong external profile within the AI community, with credibility derived from high-quality publications in scientific literature, thought leadership, or engagement within the scientific or business community through conference presentations.
• Credibility and technical rigour derived from excellent academic qualifications, including a STEM degree in an appropriate technical field with postgraduate education desirable.
• Experience working in a high-technology and multi-disciplinary environment, driving decision making through collaboration and consensus building.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, and influence at senior levels.