Research Associate - AI Solutions For Identity Systems Fraud Detection

Alan Turing Institute; London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier research institute in London is seeking a talented researcher focused on digital identity systems. This role involves investigating vulnerabilities, developing fraud detection methods, and collaborating with global partners to enhance digital security. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and knowledge of AI and machine learning. Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working

Family friendly policies

Employee-only benefits guide

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Near completion of PhD for Research Assistant role.
• Experience in data analysis and developing software.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research on digital identity systems.
• Communicate research outputs at conferences and events.
• Collaborate with academic experts and research partners.

Skills

AI and machine learning techniques

Synthetic data generation techniques

Data analysis

Software development in R or Python

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Education

PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field

Near completion of PhD

Job description

Company Description

Named in honour of Alan Turing, the Institute is a place for inspiring, exciting work and we need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to use their skills to contribute to our mission to make great leaps in data science and AI research to change the world for the better.

Please find more information about us here.

Position

The successful candidate will work on the Trustworthy Digital Infrastructure for Identity Systems programme.They will work closely with the Principal Investigators, the Technical Development Manager, other PDRAs and programme management staff across the team. The project aims to enhance the privacy and security of national digital identity systems, with the ultimate goal to maximise the value to beneficiaries, whilst limiting known and unknown risks to these constituents and maintaining the integrity of the overall system. This multidisciplinary project and its efforts focus on the communities within developing economies and their adoption of identity systems.

The project and role sit within the Finance and Economics Programme which brings together leading experts in data science, machine learning, finance and the social sciences, from both academia and industry, to tackle the most challenging questions by producing world-leading research with significant impact. The programme is led by the Programme Director, Lukasz Szpruch.

ROLE PURPOSE

The provision of digital infrastructure for identity systems is an emerging requirement in many modern societies across the developed and developing world. New techniques for deployment at scale promise to improve the assurance of users' rights to access various digital and physical resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner. However, protecting citizens' rights when such systems are deployed requires the development of novel and appropriate socio-technical interventions that incorporate robust security and privacy measures.

This role focuses on research into vulnerabilities within digital identity systems and the development of solutions for their management and mitigation. Both behavioural and biometric criteria will be investigated to fully understand how fraudulent activity can impact the trustworthiness of digital identity systems. The successful candidate will primarily focus on developing fraud detection methods that will combat issues including system attacks that rely on deepfakes. They will also address the wider scope of fraudulent activities that typically lead to financial loss to users and owners of digital ID. Key to this role is collaboration with country and development partners to create a suite of Digital Public Goods, including use-cases and prototype software, to support the development of best practices in fraud management for identity systems.

This role will also support the undertaking of an evaluation and further development of best practice and solutions for AI in identity by addressing key areas including explainability, fairness metrics, data augmentation, adversarial training, human-in-the-loop, and synthetic data.

Key to this role is collaboration with country and development partners to create a suite of Digital Public Goods, including use-cases, synthetic datasets, and prototype software, to support the development of best practices for addressing vulnerabilities and the use of AI in identity systems.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Publish and disseminate high-quality research papers and publications detailing research outputs and project case-studies.
• Communicate or present research outputs to diverse stakeholders through conferences, events, meetings, and press opportunities as appropriate.
• Participate in internal meetings with relevant groups, stakeholders, as well as external meetings with representatives of industry and potential partner organisations.
• Work collaboratively with academic experts and broader research partners from across the Turing and the wider Turing community.
• Contribute to the life of the Institute and support a diverse and inclusive community through embracing the Turing values.
• Adhere to and promote principles of reproducible and ethical data science and ensure secure handling of data and health and safety in all aspects of work.

Specific to the programme/project/role:

• Undertake high-quality research, contributing to the broader research aims of the Trustworthy Digital Infrastructure for Identity Systems programme.
• Take initiatives in the planning and execution of research, and identify and develop suitable techniques and apparatus for the development and implementation of the existing programmes.
• Conduct data analysis and ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times. This will also include maintaining accurate and complete records of all findings.
• Continuously update your knowledge concerning the digital identity ecosystem; this includes staying up-to-date with the news, emerging policy, and regulation.
• Support the Principal Investigators (PIs) and Technical Development Manager in the design and development of the research programme and provide advice on best practice surrounding network building in the digital identity ecosystem. This also involves working closely with the research teams to represent and advocate for the needs of those within the ID community.

Requirements

• A PhD (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) in a relevant area which will include Mathematics, Computer Science or similar inter-disciplinary subjects.
• Research Assistant level: must be near completion of PhD in a relevant area which will include Mathematics, Computer Science or similar inter-disciplinary subjects.
• Knowledge of AI and machine learning techniques
• Knowledge of synthetic data generation techniques
• Experience of data analysis and developing programs in software such as R or Python. This may have been gained in commercial environments, as well as through production of academic papers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present complex or technical information, and to communicate effectively with other stakeholders outside the research community

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the role and person specification.

Other information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us on 020 3862 3536 or email [email protected].

If you are an internal applicant and wish to apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter directly to [email protected] and your application will be considered.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 23:59 (LONDON, UK BST)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This post is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 December 2026. We are open to this position being worked on either a part-time or full-time basis. The full-time annual salary is £45,505 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, Employee-only benefits guide | The Alan Turing Institute

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant at a salary of £42,593 per annum.

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London's Knowledge Quarter. We expect staff to come to our office at least 4 days per month. Some roles may require more days in the office; the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. In accordance with the Equality Act, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at [email protected] to find out how we can assist you.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.

Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from [email protected]