Reader In Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning, NLP, Reinforcement Learning, and AI Security)

University of Bath - Computer Science

Location:	Bath
Salary:	£58,225 to £73,709 Grade 9
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Permanent

Placed On: 22nd December 2025
Closes: 16th February 2026
Job Ref: AS13304

The Department of Computer Science wishes to appoint academics to strengthen our rapidly growing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Research Group. We are looking for academics at the Reader level, with expertise in Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning and/or AI Security to lead research, teach and help with the running of the department.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Research Group

The AI & Machine Learning Research Group at the University of Bath has grown significantly over recent years and includes experienced AI researchers such as Prof Nello Cristianini, Prof Özgür Şimşek and Prof Mike Tipping alongside a strong and growing group of early career researchers. This supportive and inclusive environment provides many opportunities to develop and progress. Our Research is organised into four groups: Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, Mathematical Foundations, and Visual Computing.

We are a highly collaborative team, working not only with other researchers in our department but across the university and beyond. The Department of Computer Science hosts the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Accountable, Responsible and Transparent Artificial Intelligence (ART-AI), which brings together AI challenges across science, engineering, humanities and social sciences. You will have opportunities to collaborate with partners such as Google AI, DeepMind, the FCA, ONS, NHS, and universities including São Paulo, Zhejiang and Tsinghua. Also hosted by the Department of Computer Science is the Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications (CAMERA), offering a range of exciting opportunities for AI research around virtual production, motion capture and volumetric capture. In addition to university and external HPC resources, the department has its own cloud service with over 80 GPUs.

As a department, we will offer you support and growth opportunities, including career mentoring, opportunities to progress, manage, lead and access to our network of application sector partners including entertainment, sport, healthcare and technologies. We will help you to develop collaborations with regional, national and international partners, for example in science, entertainment, sport and healthcare. We will support the deepening of existing academic collaborations and the development of new ones. You will offer us a strong academic record and the ability and enthusiasm to create an engaging experience for our excellent students.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field and possess an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience. Membership in a professional body and a higher education teaching qualification (e.g., PGCert, FHEA) are required. They should have experience in providing research leadership, a strong record of publications in top-tier peer-reviewed journals, and proven success in securing research funding. The candidate must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the subject area and be up to date with teaching methods and learning technologies. Key skills include academic leadership, research vision articulation, excellent communication, teamwork, and positive relationships with academic, business, and community partners. A commitment to research excellence, ethical conduct, and enhancing student experiences is essential.

If you have any questions or you would like to talk informally about the role, please contact Professor Eamonn O’Neill, maseon@bath.ac.uk, Head of Department, or Professor Özgür Şimşek, os435@bath.ac.uk, Deputy Head of Department and Head of the AI and Machine Learning Research Group.

Potential interview Dates: Online discussion on 11th March 2026 and On campus is on 20th and 21st April 2026