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

Percentage

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.

100

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.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

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

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

A track record of impactful research achievement supported by high quality publications addressing relevant problems in biology and computational research

Essential

Management and leadership skills, able to inspire others

Essential

Excellent machine learning and programming experience

Essential

Commitment to employing best practice in your research

Essential

Ability to develop own research programme

Essential

Ability to lead and participate in interdisciplinary research

Essential

Time management skills

Essential

Ability to identify and initiate new collaborations

Essential

Project management skills

Essential

Ability to collaborate with industry (essential for senior GL appointment)

Desirable

Successful in obtaining research funding from diverse sources (essential for senior GL appointment)

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Research experience which matches the Institute research strategy

Essential

A record of leadership and collaboration on research projects

Essential

Experience of supervising PhD students (essential for senior GL appointment)

Desirable

Experience of leading, managing and mentoring (essential for senior GL appointment)

Desirable

Experience as a senior manager (essential for senior GL appointment)

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to collaborate across disciplines

Essential

Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with anyone

Essential

Good interpersonal and motivational skills with a flexible approach

Essential

Committed to the principles of open science data sharing

Essential

Open-minded, determined and resilient

Essential

Ability to create, build, strengthen and sustain collaborative research networks

Essential

Strong team player; working together to reach a common goal; sharing information, supporting colleagues

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Commitment to Public Engagement / Science Communication activities that raise the Institute’s profile and attract good publicity

Essential

Being a good role model and ambassador contributing to life at the Institute by striving for excellence, thriving on challenges, providing evidence of helping others

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Ability to travel

Essential

Responsible for health and safety, in line with the Health and Safety Policy and associated guidance documents

Essential

Earlham Institute

About the Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute is a hub of life science research, training, and innovation focused on understanding the natural world through the lens of genomics.

We are building a future where the biology of any organism can be understood by analysing its genome. Our mission is to decode the scale and complexity of living systems so we can understand, benefit from, and protect life on Earth.

The Earlham Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park and is one of eight institutes that receive strategic funding from the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC).

Our Science
Earlham Institute scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make predictions about biology.

We are home to state-of-the-art facilities and technology, creating a unique combination of expertise and infrastructure. We have dedicated laboratories for genome sequencing, single-cell analysis, engineering biology, and large-scale automation; as well as one of the largest supercomputing facilities for life science research in Europe. Our Advanced Training team also provides access to specialised scientific training to upskill the next generation of research and technical staff.

Our Culture
The Earlham Institute champions 'team science'. Our collegiate and innovative research environment comes with significant support, including a commitment to your professional development, research and administrative assistance, and opportunities to build collaborations with scientists and industry on the Norwich Research Park, across the UK, and internationally.

The Institute is also home to talented technical and operational staff, whose invaluable contributions enable our science to have the maximum impact. We aim to recognise, reward, and develop all staff and students so that every individual feels able to achieve their best with us.

We work hard to nurture an engaged and positive workplace, centred on core values that include openness, technical excellence, and collaboration. We attract staff from around the world who contribute to - and benefit from - an environment that enables them to deliver world-class science alongside a supportive and social community.

For more information about working at the Earlham Institute, please click here.

Further Information:

Our Vision and Mission

Our Strategy

Our Culture

Life at Earlham Institute

Department

Research Faculty

Group Details

A member of the Research Faculty division

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Earlham Institute

Appointment of Group Leader in Artificial Intelligence

The Earlham Institute (EI), located on the Norwich Research Park, is a UK national facility driving innovation in bioscience through genomics. Our mission is to understand the natural world using cutting-edge approaches in genomics, computational systems, and synthetic biology. We operate in a uniquely interdisciplinary environment, exploring the complexity of living systems to protect life on Earth. Through research, collaboration, training, and scientific services, EI is leading a revolution in data-intensive bioscience.

We are now seeking an exceptional and ambitious researcher to join our Research Faculty as a Group Leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The successful candidate will establish an internationally recognised research programme in AI and Machine Learning (ML) applied to biology. We welcome applicants whose work advances fundamental understanding of living systems through AI/ML, and who develop mathematical models to uncover the basic rules of life. We are particularly interested in research that complements EI’s national capabilities, including high-performance computing, BioFoundry, and Transformative Genomics platforms. 

The appointed Group Leader will:
• Develop an innovative and independent research programme.
• Build strong collaborations across EI, academia, industry, government, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of tools and technologies that support bioscience innovation.

Applicants should demonstrate:
• A strong track record of securing competitive research funding.
• High-quality publications in relevant fields.
• Experience in developing and leading a research programme.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive research culture.

What we offer:
• A collaborative and forward-thinking research environment focused on genomics, computational, systems, and synthetic biology.
• Mentorship and support for securing research funding.
• Flexible and part-time working options for all research leadership roles.
• Professional development and administrative support.
• A working culture centred on openness, innovation and excellence  https://www.earlham.ac.uk/life-earlham  
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities including sequencing platforms, single-cell and spatial analysis, the Earlham Biofoundry, and automated systems.
• High-performance computing infrastructure.
• Competitive salary and pension scheme.
• On-site sports facilities, cycle schemes, and nursery access. https://www.norwichresearchpark.com/chestnut-nursery-school 
• A vibrant research community in a beautiful region of the UK. http://www.earlham.ac.uk/living-norfolk 

Application Process:
Please submit a single document including:
1.  A one-page cover letter
2. Full CV and publication list
3. Description of current research activities (max. 2 pages)
4. Vision for your research and strategic goals (max. 2 pages), including how your work will contribute to and benefit from the Earlham Institute.

Proposed interview dates: November 2025

Application deadline: 24 October 2025

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

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.earlham.ac.uk/ or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or mailto:nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.ukquoting reference 1004962.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage candidates seeking full-time, part-time, or flexible working arrangements. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

The Earlham Institute is a registered charity (No.1136213), strategically funded by UKRI/BBSRC, and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.