"Research Associate in Probabilistic AI"

The role

We invite applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position to join the Prob_AI Hub. The vision of the Prob_AI hub is to develop a world-leading, diverse and UK-wide research programme in probabilistic AI. The hub will develop the next generation of mathematically principled, scalable and uncertainty-aware AI algorithms. This will be achieved through bringing together world-leading researchers across Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Probability and Statistics, who engage with a range of non-academic partners.

This particular role involves conducting methodological and theoretical research on conditional simulation from diffusion models using Sequential Monte Carlo and Markov chain Monte Carlo methodology.

This Prob_AI Hub brings together research groups from the Universities of Lancaster, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester and Warwick. This position at Bristol is available immediately, for a fixed term of 12 months or until January 31, 2029, whichever is earlier.

What will you be doing?

• Support and undertake research necessary to achieve the University of Bristol’s aims within the Prob_AI Hub. Specifically for this project, this will involve conditional simulation of diffusion models using Sequential Monte Carlo and Markov chain Monte Carlo.
• Publish in leading machine learning, AI, statistical, mathematical, or appropriate application journals.
• Contribute to publications in these journals jointly with other members of the project.
• Engage with other partner institutions and industrial project partners.
• Attend project meetings, events, workshops, and conferences.
• Develop code that implements the methods developed to support reproducible research practice

You should apply if

You have:

• A relevant postgraduate research degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Machine Learning, or a related discipline, or possess equivalent professional experience.
• An interest in developing a mathematical understanding of AI to enhance the reliability, interpretability, and uncertainty awareness of AI methods.
• Expertise in both Sequential and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, and familiarity with conditional simulation using diffusion models.
• Technical and mathematical skills required for such research, regardless of prior AI experience.
• You can demonstrate the ability to develop new methodology or advance mathematical understanding.
• A demonstrated ability to produce academic writing of the highest publishable quality.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding for 12 months or until January 31 2029, whichever is earlier.

This is a full-time position, though we will consider applicants requesting part-time or other flexible working arrangements.

Work pattern: Full time/35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 4th January 2026.

For informal queries, please contact: Professor Anthony Lee, anthony.lee@bristol.ac.uk