Head of AI Research

Head of AI Research | High-Growth Start-Up | London

We’re seeking a Head of AI Research to spearhead the technical vision and growth of an ambitious, well-funded early-stage start-up redefining what’s possible with intelligent systems. You’ll lead a world-class team of researchers and engineers, setting the direction for AI innovation while staying close to the code and experiments that make it happen.

This is a rare opportunity to join at a pivotal stage of the company’s journey - where your decisions will shape both the technology and the team from the ground up.

• MSc or PhD in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years working at the intersection of research and engineering, translating state-of-the-art AI into production systems.
• Proven leadership experience - mentoring researchers, building high-performance AI teams, and setting technical roadmaps.
• Strong programming expertise in Python, C++, Rust, or Java.
• Publication record at leading AI/ML conferences or journals (e.g. NeurIPS, ICLR, CVPR, ICCV, ICRA).
• Clear communication skills, capable of bridging the gap between research depth and business strategy.
• A builder’s mindset - hands-on, experimental, and eager to solve complex problems with pragmatic AI solutions.
• Preference for on-site collaboration in London, contributing to a fast-moving, high-energy environment.

As Head of AI Research, you’ll define the core research agenda, establish best practices for experimentation and deployment, and ensure AI becomes a key driver of innovation across the organisation. You’ll work with founders, product leaders, and engineers to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact.