Group Leader: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Biology

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

We are seeking to appoint a Group Leader in Artificial Intelligence in Biology.



The successful candidate will lead an independent high-profile research group working in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Biology, which is part of the Earlham Institute's research portfolio. This role involves building, developing, and leading your own independent, internationally recognised research programme, publishing significant research papers, and attracting substantial external funding. The Group Leader will manage their own research team and be responsible for the financial control and delivery of their research projects. All faculty are also expected to contribute to the national capability nature of the Institute, either through the development of tools and technology or the delivery of advanced training.



Applications for a Senior Group Leader (Tenure Track or Tenured) appointment will be considered from candidates who meet both the essential and desirable criteria.

Key Relationships

Group Leaders will interact with all levels of staff at EI, across the Norwich Research Park (NRP) and with external collaborators.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Leading and managing an internationally recognised programme of innovative research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Biosciences. We are particularly interested in research programmes that would use and develop AI/ML methods and mathematical models to understand the basic rules of life and advance fundamental knowledge of living systems. We would be interested in research programmes that would synergise with the Earlham Institute's national capabilities, including access to high-performance computing, BioFoundry, Transformative Genomics and contribute to the development of tools and technologies.



Research areas can include but not limited to: Applied AI, Synthetic Biology, and Engineering Biology for Accelerated Discovery; Novel AI Architectures and Models for Biological Systems; Developing Foundation Models for Genome Regulation from Single-Cell/Spatial Omics Data; AI-Driven Modelling of Cell Morphology and Tissue Function via Imaging and Computer Vision; Advanced AI Models for biodiversity conservation, high-precision agriculture, and Digital Twins.Management of a research group, which may include postdoctoral scientists, support staff, visitors, and postgraduate students.Providing leadership and developing your team.Actively seeking and obtaining external financial support for your research programme.Effectively managing the research group’s budgets and funding.Operating as a key member of the Institute, working with a wide range of staff and collaborators.Working flexibly in a cross-functional and cross-disciplinary way, committed to exploiting opportunities and synergies both within the Institute, across the research park, nationally, and internationally.Contributing to the operation of the Institute by working with colleagues and collaborators to build an innovative and supportive culture reflecting our values of excellence, innovation, collaboration, and integrity.Helping to support EI as a national capability through the development of technologies and tools or through the delivery of advanced training.Undertaking any other duties that may be required and are commensurate with the role of Group Leader.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

RequirementPhD and postdoctoral experience gained within a relevant area of science (, Computer Science, AI/ML, Mathematics, Statistics, Computational Biology)

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

RequirementA track record of impactful research achievement supported by high quality publications addressing relevant problems in biology and computational researchManagement and leadership skills, able to inspire othersExcellent machine learning and programming experienceCommitment to employing best practice in your researchAbility to develop own research programmeAbility to lead and participate in interdisciplinary researchTime management skillsAbility to identify and initiate new collaborationsProject management skillsAbility to collaborate with industry (essential for senior GL appointment)Successful in obtaining research funding from diverse sources (essential for senior GL appointment)

Relevant Experience

RequirementResearch experience which matches the Institute research strategyA record of leadership and collaboration on research projectsExperience of supervising PhD students (essential for senior GL appointment)Experience of leading, managing and mentoring (essential for senior GL appointment)Experience as a senior manager (essential for senior GL appointment)

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

RequirementAbility to collaborate across disciplinesAbility to communicate effectively and appropriately with anyoneGood interpersonal and motivational skills with a flexible approachCommitted to the principles of open science data sharingOpen-minded, determined and resilientAbility to create, build, strengthen and sustain collaborative research networksStrong team player; working together to reach a common goal; sharing information, supporting colleagues

Additional Requirements

RequirementAttention to detailCommitment to Public Engagement / Science Communication activities that raise the Institute’s profile and attract good publicityBeing a good role model and ambassador contributing to life at the Institute by striving for excellence, thriving on challenges, providing evidence of helping othersPromotes equality and values diversityAbility to travelResponsible for health and safety, in line with the Health and Safety Policy and associated guidance documents