Research Associate, Synthetic Data & Fraud Detection in Digital Identity

Alan Turing Institute; London; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in data science is looking for a passionate individual to join the team focusing on fraud detection in digital identity systems. The successful candidate will work on innovative solutions involving synthetic data generation, playing a crucial role in enhancing the security of identity infrastructures. A PhD in a relevant field and experience in the development of fraud detection techniques are required. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and fantastic benefits in an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Flexible working

Family-friendly policies

Employee-only benefits guide

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in relevant area.
• Experience with fraud detection and synthetic data generation.
• Knowledge of digital identity systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop methodologies for synthetic data generation.
• Publish research papers on findings.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and present research outputs.

Skills

Fraud detection techniques

Synthetic data generation

Programming and software development

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields

Tools

Generative AI

Job description

Overview

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. 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 focuses 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 challenging questions by producing world-leading research with significant impact.

Role Purpose

Fraud detection is essential to the integrity and trustworthiness of digital identity systems. As these systems increasingly underpin access to financial services, healthcare, and government benefits, they become prime targets for malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities through account takeover, identity theft, or synthetic identity creation. Effective fraud detection safeguards citizens from harm, preserves the credibility of identity infrastructures, and ensures that digital identity can serve as a reliable foundation for inclusive and secure digital economies.

Synthetic data can enable the safe design, development, and evaluation of identity solutions without compromising personal information. It also helps overcome data scarcity by providing diverse and representative datasets, particularly for rare fraud scenarios and edge cases, thereby strengthening the performance of biometric and fraud-detection models.

As a key member of the team, the successful candidate will contribute to the design and delivery of state-of-the-art proof-of-concepts in high-impact domains such as fraud detection in digital identity systems. The initial focus will be on researching and developing advanced techniques for producing synthetically accurate datasets to support innovation in addressing emerging biometric vulnerabilities across facial, fingerprint, and voice modalities. Beyond this, the candidate will also play a central role in building bespoke software solutions for detecting and managing behavioural fraud, with particular emphasis on areas including account takeover and unauthorized account use in digital identity contexts.

Role deliverables include:

• Methodologies for synthetic data generation
• Code base for synthetic data generation
• Synthetic data sets
• Proof-of-concept fraud detection systems
• Publications on process / findings

All outputs, i.e. code packages used for synthetic data generation, synthetic data sets, and PoC systems, will be released to the digital identity community as an open-source, digital public goods.

Duties and Areas of Responsibility

• Publish and disseminate high-quality research papers and publications detailing research outputs and project case-studies.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders, liaising with teams across the Turing as required.
• 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.
• Undertake required administration tasks.
• 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.

Requirements

• A PhD (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) in a relevant area which will include Mathematics, Computer Science or similar inter-disciplinary subjects
• Experience in the development of fraud detection techniques and Synthetic data generation techniques, Generative AI, Programming and software development
• Knowledge of digital identity systems
• Evidence of high-quality publication(s) in a relevant field (published or in-press) commensurate with your career stage
• 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
• Ability to adapt the style of communication to the audience and ensure understanding
• Ability to collaborate successfully with colleagues in a multidisciplinary environment within the organisation/externally to share knowledge and information in order to develop practice or help others learn

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: Tuesday 30 September 2025 at 23:59 (London, UK BST)

Terms and Conditions

This full-time post is offered on a fixed-term basis for 12 months or until 31 December 2026 (whichever is soonest). The 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 completed their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level.

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]