KTP Research Associate in AI and Knowledge Systems for the Built Environment

UCL; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a KTP Associate to enhance urban planning using AI and machine learning. The role involves leading a project that integrates data into a knowledge repository, improving planning processes in the built environment. Ideal candidates will hold a PhD or Master's in a relevant field and possess strong communication and project management skills. This two-year funded position offers extensive benefits and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

41 days holiday

Defined benefit pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site gym

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• PhD or near-completion in a quantitative discipline.
• Experience in industry or relevant projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead a project enhancing urban planning with AI.
• Integrate datasets into a knowledge repository.
• Create LLM pipelines and automated workflows.

Skills

Machine learning

Software engineering

Project management

Strong communication skills

Collaboration

Education

PhD or Master's in Computer Science or relevant discipline

Job description

About us

This KTP is a partnership between GIA, a leading consultancy in planning and daylighting, and UCL's Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, recognized internationally for its research in the built environment. This role offers a springboard to a career in both industry and academia for postgraduates and postdocs interested in developing a multimodal knowledge repository with automated business process workflows. Situated at the intersection of digital innovation and the built environment, the successful candidate will apply their machine learning and software engineering skills to a cutting-edge project that aims to revolutionize services by creating a knowledge repository using APIs and AI tools for information retrieval, enabling smarter planning and design decisions across the built environment lifecycle.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a postgraduate/doctoral degree in Computer Science or another quantitative discipline (such as mathematics, physics, or engineering). The post holder will lead an innovative project to enhance urban planning and built environment consultancy services by embedding a knowledge repository that integrates internal and external datasets, automated workflows, and process mining tools. Based at the GIA London office, the KTP Associate will apply AI and machine learning within a market-leading built environment consultancy. Responsibilities include identifying and integrating relevant data sources, reviewing GIA's user and data journey maps, creating LLM pipelines, and implementing the knowledge repository and automated workflows. This approach uses AI to provide real-time, relevant information, streamline workflows, and support sustainable, data-driven decisions in urban design, planning, and development, while fostering collaboration across GIA's business lines. The role also offers opportunities for professional development, networking, and publication of research.

The successful candidate must be in post no later than 06 December 2025. The position is funded for 24 months initially, with potential for further funding. A detailed job description and person specification are available at the bottom of this page. For queries, contact [e-mail]. UCL welcomes international applications and can sponsor visas, subject to eligibility.

About you

For appointment at Grade 7, a PhD or near completion in Computer Science or a related quantitative discipline is required. Alternatively, a Master’s degree with relevant industry experience may be considered. Strong communication, collaboration, self-motivation, and project management skills are essential to thrive in this interface role between industry and academia, with access to experts across UCL and GIA. More about KTPs can be found at https://www.ktp-uk.org/graduates/.

What we offer

In addition to the exciting work, we offer benefits such as:

• 41 days holiday (including annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme

More details are available at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, disabled people, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women in senior roles. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award for advancing gender equality.