Lecturer/Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence for Biodiversity Science

  • Anywhere

About usThe Division of Biosciences at UCL is a major centre for research and teaching in the biological sciences, fostering curiosity-driven research that spans molecules to ecosystems. Within Biosciences, the Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment (GEE) provides a world-leading environment for research and teaching across evolution, human genetics, healthy ageing, biodiversity and computational biology. We are recruiting a Lecturer (Assistant Professor equivalent) or Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Biodiversity Science to strengthen GEE’s capacity in AI-enabled, data-driven and predictive biodiversity science, supporting the support the growth of the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research’s People and Nature Lab at UCL East. This role also forms part of AI for Life, a major programme across Biosciences in computational and artificial intelligence-driven life sciences.About the roleRapid environmental change is transforming biodiversity and ecosystems worldwide, but our ability to process and integrate diverse ecological, environmental and genomic data to generate robust, decision-relevant insights remains limited. To address this, GEE seeks to appoint a new academic colleague to help define the next generation of biodiversity science through the development and application of AI. Based at the People and Nature Lab at UCL East, the successful candidate will develop novel and/or apply AI-enabled approaches to ecological, genomic and environmental data. This may include work with vision and acoustic sensors, genomic and other -omics data, remote sensing data, LiDAR, multimodal and spatiotemporal modelling, foundation models, interpretable AI or related approaches.The successful candidate will establish (Grade 8) or expand (Grade 9) an independent, collaborative research programme within GEE with opportunities to contribute to a distinctive living lab environment at UCL East, and work across UCL with colleagues in computer science, geography, and health. We also welcome exceptional applicants working at the broader interface linked to other GEE research, provided they demonstrate strong quantitative and data science expertise and a clear vision for advancing the field. The post holder will be expected to secure competitive research funding, supervise and mentor postgraduate researchers, contribute to research-led teaching and develop external engagement with conservation organisations, policy bodies and other partners.This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 60% on site. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Academic Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies/2021/jun/conditions-service-academic-staff for more information.For informal queries about the post, please contact Professor Kate Jones ([email protected]). For queries about the application process, or to request reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for the job online, please contact the Faculty Human Resources Team on [email protected]About youYou will have a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field and an innovative research agenda in AI for biodiversity science, or in a closely related area at the interface of biodiversity, ecosystems and people, with clear quantitative and data science strength. You will have experience of research-led teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level, with a strong interest in interdisciplinary working, external engagement and translational impact. You will also show the potential to build collaborative partnerships, attract research funding, and contribute to an inclusive and ambitious academic environment.A full list of essential and desirable criteria is provided in the accompanying person specification at the bottom of this page with further details of how to applyWhat we offerAs well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits such as:

  • Salary (dependent on skills and experience) :Grade 8 – £54,931 – £62,903 inclusive of London allowance, Grade 9 – £68,284 – £74,166 inclusive of London allowance
  • 41 Days holiday (including bank holidays),
  • Hybrid working
  • Final Salary Pension Scheme,
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • season ticket loan,
  • Relocation scheme for certain posts,
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay,
  • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service,
  • Discounted medical insurance.

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out moreOur commitment to Equality, Diversity, and InclusionAs London’s Global University, we know that diversity and inclusion are fundamental drivers of creativity, innovation, and excellence, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong, thrive, and reach our full potential. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women’Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here:Available documents
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