"Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Machine Learning"

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join Torr Vision Group at the Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ. The post is funded by EPSRC and is fixed-term to the 30th September 2026.

We are looking for outstanding machine learning researcher to join the Torr Vision Group and work on AI Scientists: systems that use foundation models, AI agents, and robotics to automate scientific discovery in both the natural and social sciences.

The postholder will contribute to one or more of the following strands:

• Foundational work on large-scale/foundation models and agentic architectures for autonomous scientific reasoning and planning;
• AI social scientists, including language-model-based and agent-based simulations for social science domains such as history, economics, and other areas of computational social science;
• AI scientists for natural science, integrating LLM agents with simulation and, where appropriate, robotic experimentation (e.g., automated “dry” and “wet” lab workflows).

You will be able to Design, develop and implement algorithms and systems based on foundation models, large language models and/or AI agents for automated scientific discovery, in natural science and/or social science domains.

Candidates should possess a PhD (or be near completion) in PhD in Computer Science, AI, Security, or a related field. You will have a Strong background in machine learning and/or computer security and Experience working with LLMs or agent-based systems.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Philip.torr@eng.ox.ac.uk.

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/.

Only online applications received before midday on the 7th January 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.

Contact Person: Professor Philip Torr
Vacancy ID: 183674
Closing Date & Time: 07-Jan-2026 12:00
Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7
Contact Email: Philip.torr@eng.ox.ac.uk
Salary (£): Grade 7: £39,424 - £47,779 per annum (Inclusive of Oxford University Weighting)

Job description & Selection criteria (406.5 KB)