Research Director

@ AI Security Institute

About the AI Security Institute

The AI Security Institute is the largest team in a government dedicated to understanding AI capabilities and risks. Our mission is to equip governments with an empirical understanding of the safety of advanced AI systems. We conduct research to understand the capabilities and impacts of advanced AI and develop and test risk mitigations focusing on safeguards against cyber-attacks, fraud, and loss of control.

Research Director

Shape responses to advanced AI risks. Join the team most deeply embedded in the UK's response to AI risks. You will lead critical research that informs development and policy decisions by working with frontier developers, national security partners, and allied governments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 10-30 person research team.
• Set vision, roadmaps, standards and talent strategy.
• Mentor mid-level and junior researchers.
• Shape organization-wide technical agenda.
• Engage externally with governments and labs.
• Raise the quality bar in methodology and hiring.

Requirements

• Proven record leading impactful research teams.
• Clear vision towards advancing AI safety and governance.
• At least 5 years in modern ML research areas.

Logistics & Compensation

Spend at least 3 days per week in the London office with hybrid work support. Commitment for at least 12 months is required. Salary for senior technical staff ranges from £105-145k with potential for higher compensation in this director role.

Additional Information

Candidates must pass a criminal record check and obtain BPSS clearance, with a preference for those eligible for CTC clearance. This role sits outside the Civil Service’s DDaT pay framework due to its technical depth.

Key skills/competency

• Research Leadership
• AI Safety
• Machine Learning
• Team Management
• Policy Influence
• Risk Mitigation
• Technical Strategy
• Cybersecurity
• Methodology
• Government Engagement