Head of research

BBC; London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

The BBC is seeking a Head of AI Research to lead innovative projects in machine learning and AI. This role involves strategic direction for research, fostering a talented team, and ensuring ethical standards in AI developments, shaping the future of media engagement.

Qualifications

• A track record in AI research with high-impact publications.
• Experience leading AI research teams.
• Deep technical expertise in areas like deep learning or NLP.

Responsibilities

• Set and evolve an AI research strategy.
• Lead research into state-of-the-art AI methods.
• Build and mentor a team of skilled AI researchers.

Skills

Technical leadership

AI research

Team development

Ethics in AI

Communication skills

Education

PhD in AI, computer science or related discipline

Job description

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: F

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time

DEPARTMENT: BBC Research & Development

LOCATION: Salford – MediaCityUK or London – Broadcasting House – Hybrid

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: Up to £147,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

We're happy to discuss flexible working. If you'd like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there's no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

The BBC has engaged executive search firm The Search Group to manage the selection process for this role. Please be aware that your application will be managed by The Search Group, who will have access to your CV and personal details for the purpose of this vacancy only.

Should you want any further information about the role, or to speak to someone, please contact Sarah Stacey at the following email address: [e-mail]

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

BBC R&D is the innovation powerhouse at the heart of the BBC’s mission to inform, educate, and entertain. Our AI research team is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of machine learning, data science, and generative AI to redefine how audiences engage with media in an increasingly digital world.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of AI Research to lead this ambitious agenda who combines scientific rigour with a bold vision for how AI can transform public service media on a global stage.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

As the Head of AI Research, you will be responsible for designing and executing a world-leading research programme that places the BBC at the forefront of responsible and impactful AI innovation. Your leadership will shape the development of novel AI models, ethical frameworks, and transformative applications that set new standards for the news and media industry.

You will inspire a team of talented researchers and engineers, drive partnerships with leading AI institutions, and ensure that the BBC remains a trusted leader in AI research and development.

Your Key Responsibilities And Impact

Strategic research direction

Set and evolve a clear, technically ambitious AI research strategy aligned to the BBC’s mission and future-facing media challenges.

Act as AI technical subject matter expert on behalf of BBC R&D to senior executives and leaders.

Identify emerging AI technologies that can shape the future of media and public value.

Scientific and technical leadership

Lead research into state-of-the-art AI methods, from large scale model architectures to algorithmic fairness and model interpretability.

Guide the development of prototypes and proof of concepts, accelerating the path from fundamental research to deployable solutions.

Foster a culture of rigorous experimentation, peer-reviewed publication and open research dissemination.

Team development and mentorship

Build and mentor a team of highly skilled AI researchers, engineers, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity and technical excellence.

Create an environment that values both fundamental science and real-world impact.

External engagement and collaboration

Establish partnerships with global AI research labs, academic institutions and industrial collaborators to amplify BBC R&D’s capabilities and reach.

Represent BBC R&D within international AI communities, contributing to conferences, policy development and open-source projects.

Ethics, trust and social impact

Champion ethical AI principles, ensuring that fairness, transparency and accountability are embedded in all research activities.

Lead proactive work on AI safety, robustness and social impact, aligning BBC R&D’s AI efforts with public interest.

Essential Criteria

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A track record in AI research, with high-impact publications, patents, or advanced applications of AI at scale.
• Demonstrated experience leading or managing AI research teams, combining scientific leadership with people development.
• Deep technical expertise in at least one of the following areas: deep learning, generative models, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, or multimodal AI.
• Experience translating AI research into real-world products or services, especially in media or mission-driven contexts.
• Ability to work effectively with non-research teams (e.g. editorial, product, engineering) and communicate technical ideas to broad audiences.
• Expertise in research methodologies and experimental design, with a strong record of rigour and reproducibility.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset — able to bridge complex technical ideas with business and audience needs.
• PhD (or equivalent experience) in AI, computer science, or a closely related discipline, ideally with experience at a world-leading AI lab.
• Commitment to working with BBC and R&D Communications and Marketing colleagues to ensure that the AI Research team’s work is amplified with internal and external audiences.
  
  

Desired But Not Required

• Published in top-tier conferences and journals with strong citations and proven impact of your research work.
• An understanding of the challenges and opportunities of public service media in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• A passion for using AI as a force for good, delivering value and trust to global audiences.
  
  

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the BBC’s AI future, driving transformation across content creation, audience interaction, and public-interest AI leadership.

Disclaimer

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.

For any general queries, please contact: [e-mail]