Head of AI Research | High-Growth Start-Up | London

Oho Group Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth start-up in London is looking for a Head of AI Research to drive the technical vision and guide a talented team in redefining intelligent systems. Required qualifications include an MSc or PhD in AI or related fields, proven leadership experience, and strong programming skills. This full-time position emphasizes collaboration and innovation, aiming to transform breakthrough ideas into impactful solutions. Join at a pivotal moment to shape both technology and the team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience at the intersection of research and engineering.
• Expertise in translating AI research into production systems.
• Publication record at leading AI/ML conferences.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical vision and AI innovation for the start-up.
• Mentor researchers and build high-performance AI teams.
• Define core research agenda and establish best practices.

Skills

Leadership experience

Programming in Python

Programming in C++

Programming in Rust

Programming in Java

Clear communication skills

Education

MSc or PhD in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or Robotics

Job description

Head of AI Research | High-Growth Start‑Up | London

We’re seeking a Head of AI Research to spearhead the technical vision and growth of an ambitious, well‑funded early‑stage start‑up redefining what’s possible with intelligent systems. You’ll lead a world‑class team of researchers and engineers, setting the direction for AI innovation while staying close to the code and experiments that make it happen.

This is a rare opportunity to join at a pivotal stage of the company’s journey - where your decisions will shape both the technology and the team from the ground up.

What You’ll Bring

• MSc or PhD in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years working at the intersection of research and engineering, translating state‑of‑the‑art AI into production systems.
• Proven leadership experience – mentoring researchers, building high‑performance AI teams, and setting technical roadmaps.
• Strong programming expertise in Python, C++, Rust, or Java.
• Publication record at leading AI/ML conferences or journals (e.g. NeurIPS, ICLR, CVPR, ICCV, ICRA).
• Clear communication skills, capable of bridging the gap between research depth and business strategy.
• A builder’s mindset – hands‑on, experimental, and eager to solve complex problems with pragmatic AI solutions.
• Preference for on‑site collaboration in London, contributing to a fast‑moving, high‑energy environment.

Why Join

As Head of AI Research, you’ll define the core research agenda, establish best practices for experimentation and deployment, and ensure AI becomes a key driver of innovation across the organisation. You’ll work with founders, product leaders, and engineers to turn breakthrough ideas into real‑world impact.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function / Industry

Information Technology – Software Development