Two Research Associates in Topological Deep Learning

Imperial College London
London
1 year ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Machine Learning Researcher Statistics Python AI

Freelance Spatial AI and Machine Learning Consultant

Freelance Spatial AI and Machine Learning Consulta - Remote

Machine Learning Scientist

Lecturer in Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence

MSc Data Science Online Tutor (Project Supervisor)

Are you a researcher eager to push the boundaries of topological and geometric machine learning? Join the CIRCLE group at Imperial College London, led by Dr. Tolga Birdal, in a fully funded postdoctoral research role to lead transformative projects spanning theoretical research and practical applications.

The CIRCLE group at Imperial is seeking highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRAs / PostDocs), who have demonstrated competence in conducting cutting-edge research. The positions are fully funded in the context of Prof. Birdal’s UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, and focus on the design, development, and application of topological and geometric machine learning techniques, with a view to solving complex problems in areas ranging from 3D generative models to modelling proteins and molecules. Successful candidates will be involved in projects exploring novel ways to incorporate topological structures into deep learning pipelines, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical applications. To this end, the project integrates state-of-the-art knowledge from different disciplines such as algebraic topology, differential geometry, machine learning, and computer vision.


Design and implementadvanced machine learning pipelines leveraging topological and geometric principles on complex data structures.Pioneer new algorithmsfor topological deep learning (TDL), including cutting-edge generative models, operator networks, and equivariant architectures etc.Deploy TDL toolson to learn on intricate data representations such as boundary representations (BRep), molecular structures, and higher-order networks, transforming fields from CAD modelling to biomolecular science.Architect next-gen TDL systemsto tackle challenging applications in 3D scene and CAD modelling, protein generation, and the analysis of emergent abilities in deep networks.Lead the development and maintenanceof TopoX, our flagship TDL software package.Foster collaborationswith industry partners to ensure our research translates into impactful, real-world applications.Mentor a team of researchers and engineers, ensuring the alignment of project goals and team objectives.Represent our lab at leading conferences and workshops, showcasing pioneering research and innovations.
You will hold a PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial experience.*Practical experience within a research environment and publication in relevant and refereed journals / conferencesExperience of dealing with industry partners and research collaboratorsOutstanding skills in algebraic topology and other related mathematical techniquesPractical experience in a broad range of techniques including graph/topological neural nets, computer visionKnowledge of programming proficiency in frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlowKnowledge of research methods, experimentation and statistical procedures

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant. Salary Range £43,003 - £46,297 per annum.


The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 38 days off a year)

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many AI Tools Do You Need to Know to Get an AI Job?

If you are job hunting in AI right now it can feel like you are drowning in tools. Every week there is a new framework, a new “must-learn” platform or a new productivity app that everyone on LinkedIn seems to be using. The result is predictable: job seekers panic-learn a long list of tools without actually getting better at delivering outcomes. Here is the truth most hiring managers will quietly agree with. They do not hire you because you know 27 tools. They hire you because you can solve a problem, communicate trade-offs, ship something reliable and improve it with feedback. Tools matter, but only in service of outcomes. So how many AI tools do you actually need to know? For most AI job seekers: fewer than you think. You need a tight core toolkit plus a role-specific layer. Everything else is optional. This guide breaks it down clearly, gives you a simple framework to choose what to learn and shows you how to present your toolset on your CV, portfolio and interviews.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in AI Job Applications (UK Guide)

Hiring managers do not start by reading your CV line-by-line. They scan for signals. In AI roles especially, they are looking for proof that you can ship, learn fast, communicate clearly & work safely with data and systems. The best applications make those signals obvious in the first 10–20 seconds. This guide breaks down what hiring managers typically look for first in AI applications in the UK market, how to present it on your CV, LinkedIn & portfolio, and the most common reasons strong candidates get overlooked. Use it as a checklist to tighten your application before you click apply.

The Skills Gap in AI Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is already reshaping how businesses operate, how decisions are made, and how entire industries compete. From finance and healthcare to retail, manufacturing, defence, and climate science, AI is embedded in critical systems across the UK economy. Yet despite unprecedented demand for AI talent, employers continue to report severe recruitment challenges. Vacancies remain open for months. Salaries rise year on year. Candidates with impressive academic credentials often fail technical interviews. At the heart of this disconnect lies a growing and uncomfortable truth: Universities are not fully preparing graduates for real-world AI jobs. This article explores the AI skills gap in depth—what is missing from many university programmes, why the gap persists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build a successful career in artificial intelligence.