About us
This is a two-year fellowship in the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit (GCNU) funded by the UKRI AI Hub in Generative Models.
The AI Hub in Generative Models is a UK-wide research hub which will help to transform science, industry, the economy and society through developing the next generation of generative AI models, bringing together experts in Generative AI, from industry and academia, to collaborate on impactful projects.
The Gatsby Unit is a research centre at UCL supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. Our work encompasses theoretical and computational neuroscience, computational statistics, machine learning and AI, threads drawn together by our focus on the mathematical foundations of adaptive intelligent behaviour.
The unit provides a unique environment in which a critical mass of researchers interact closely with each other and with other world-class research groups in related departments at UCL. The Unit has strong links with the Sainsbury-Wellcome Centre (SWC) for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, the Centre for Computational Statistics and Machine Learning, as well as other groups at UCL, and at institutions around the world. Collaboration within and outside the Unit is actively encouraged and supported through the provision of a generous annual travel allowance to support conference, workshop and collaborative research visits.
About the role
Modern “virtual-cell” foundation models hope to one day predict how any combination of drugs or gene edits will affect living cells—but because of the complex interactions that arise in biological systems, this will only be possible if we can design the right experiments to collect data to train them. In this role you will create new statistically efficient causal and interaction models with the aim of elucidating cellular interactions. and develop machine learning methods relevant to the task-domain, including causal and generative models. The successful candidate will work day-to-day with Prof Arthur Gretton (UCL) and Dr Jason Hartford (Manchester) and will deploy successful methods to co-designing new CRISPR screens with Dr Mo Lotfollahi (Wellcome Sanger Institute).
About you
You must have a strong mathematical and statistical background and a peer-reviewed track record in causal inference, experimental design, generative modelling, and/or related methodologies. Experience with foundation-model training for biological data and/or multimodal generative models and familiarity with high-throughput assay pipelines (CRISPR, imaging, -omics) is highly desirable. You must hold a PhD in a relevant field by the agreed start of the position.
To apply, please click Apply Now and submit your CV and in the Attachments section (Research Paper 1) a statement covering research accomplishments and the names of 3 referees. There is no requirement to upload any papers you have authored. Academic enquiries about the role should be directed to Arthur Gretton ([email protected]).
What we offer
We offer competitive salaries and an award-winning work environment. You will work in a vibrant, interactive and collaborative environment, with world-class PhD programmes, generous core funding and travel allowances and also be part of the AI Hub. Our facilities include an on-site high-performance computer platform, an extensive seminar programme and interaction space, an on-site brasserie, and outdoor spaces. Our staff are entitled to UCL's extensive range of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement, family-friendly policies, occupational pension schemes and professional development opportunities.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, 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. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce in this type of role. Interest from women and those from an ethnic minority background is particularly welcome, as they are under-represented within UCL at these levels.
