Professor in Artificial Intelligence (Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing)

The School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (SCSEE) is seeking to recruit a Professor in AI to the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP), focusing on leading growth in Frontier AI including multimodal foundation models, machine learning, agentic, people-centred and sustainable AI and their applications including human and animal health, biosciences, creative industries, sustainability, robotics and autonomous systems. This post builds on CVSSP’s 40-year track-record of advancing the foundations of AI to deliver ground-breaking technologies with UK industry in healthcare, creative industries, manufacture, biometrics and communication.

CVSSP has an established international reputation in AI research, 1st in the UK for computer vision and top 5 for AI, computer vision, and robotics (CSRankings.org). SCSEE was ranked 7th in the UK for REF2021 outputs in Computer Science research, and 15th in Engineering for research power. Computer Science and CVSSP are at the core of the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI (PAI), established in 2021 as a pan-University initiative to unite leading AI research with expertise across health, social, behavioural and engineering sciences, business, law, and the arts. PAI leads a portfolio of over £100m in grant awards including major research activities in creative industries and healthcare, and two doctoral training programmes with funding for over 100 PhD researchers: the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Digital Media Inclusion and the Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Training Network in AI-Enabled Digital Accessibility.

Candidates should have wide knowledge of the AI field and ideally experience of working with industry. They must have a proven record of internationally recognised research contributions and leading significant research programmes in AI and Machine Learning. Current school research focuses on solving foundational and real-world problems in areas such as Natural Language Processing, Optimisation, Audio and Vision, AI for Health and Medical Applications, Robotics, and Security.

AI features in both our UG and MSc curricula as well as training within the CDTs. The candidate will contribute to these as well as undertaking other teaching duties in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

As a senior leader the postholder is expected to have inclusive leadership experience and the ability to grow and support research teams to deliver their potential. They will champion the development of strategic partnerships and contribute at a senior level to service within the University and externally. The position provides an opportunity to drive a strategic research direction within PAI bringing together multi-disciplinary research expertise across the University.

The postholder will benefit from colleague support across the School and wider University to advance their career. Our welcoming community nurtures staff to help them build flourishing careers. They will become a core member of the PAI, supporting the growth of collaborative cross-disciplinary research and training as Surrey delivers its future vision.

Additional information

To apply, please visit our website. For informal enquiries, please contact:

Professor Adrian Hilton,

Our strategy and mission

Surrey has launched its Vision 2041 strategy that produces graduates and research outcomes that enrich lives, transform society and create change for a better world.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.