Theme Lead – AI for Weather Forecasting (Principal Research Scientist)

Theme Lead – AI for Weather Forecasting (Principal Research Scientist)

The [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] seeks a Theme Lead for AI for Weather Forecasting to direct a high-priority research portfolio at the intersection of AI and weather forecasting. The role involves leading research strategy, managing a team, securing grant funding, and collaborating with partners like the UK Met Office. Based in London, this is a fixed-term (3 years), full-time position with a salary of £78,004–£85,000 per annum plus benefits.

About The Role

In an era of increasing environmental volatility, weather and climate prediction are crucial for national security and global resilience. These capabilities provide the early warning systems required to protect infrastructure and ensure the security of food, water, and energy. This field is being fundamentally re-engineered by Artificial Intelligence; global weather forecasting AI models are now thousands of times faster than traditional numerical prediction and frequently outperform conventional models in both accuracy and efficiency. Developing sovereign AI capabilities in this space is essential to ensure the UK possesses the independent and trusted tools to manage risk and accelerate decision-making.

ROLE PURPOSE
The Environment Forecasting Mission advances AI-enabled forecasting to deliver practical decision intelligence, protecting people and infrastructure from extreme weather, securing the Arctic, and providing operational climate intelligence for global development and adaptation.

• Weather Forecasting for National Security
• Sea-Ice Forecasting for Arctic Resilience
• Climate Prediction for Global Development and Adaptation

As a Theme Lead for our Environment Mission, you will direct a high-priority research portfolio at the cutting edge of AI and weather forecasting. Working alongside key stakeholders like the UK Met Office, you will tackle real-world challenges to shape a national priority at a transformative moment for the field.

We are seeking a leader with an outstanding track record in AI and environmental science and a passion for multidisciplinary, impact-driven collaboration. Reporting to the Mission Director for Environmental Forecasting, you will provide strategic leadership and line management for researchers and engineers. This is a standout opportunity to define the future of national research within a world-leading institute.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
You will ideally have an international profile as a researcher working in one or several disciplines, with experience of project delivery and leading a research team with a focus on weather forecasting. You will be expected to work closely with mission leadership to:

• Lead the development of the research strategy for weather forecasting and ensure strategic links between other research themes and missions.
• Lead on the technical oversight of project proposals that are within the area of research, that includes, but is not limited to, proposed activities, resource plan, timeline, deliverable outputs and budget.
• Lead grant proposals and bids for funding within the thematic area of AI and weather forecasting.
• Represent the Theme in meetings, and external conversations with key stakeholders. Deputise for the Mission Director as needed.
• Work with Partnerships team to establish collaborations both nationally and internationally to enable operationalisation of outputs.
• Communicate technical topics to colleagues and external partners by preparing presentations, reports, blogs, podcasts.
• Inform funders and the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Leadership on appropriate use of funds within your team, in line with institute processes.
• Work with other [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] support functions (e.g., Programme Management, Research Engineering Group, Finance, Communications, Events and Legal teams) where appropriate.
• Line manage staff within the theme, supporting their career development aspirations.

ABOUT YOU

• A strong track record and experience in a relevant area, e.g., machine learning, AI, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, environmental science
• Leadership and strategic vision skills, especially as required in a complex collaboration with external partners
• Evidence of leading grant applications and securing external funding
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills at all levels
• Able to identify and present key information, highlighting any potential issues as required, to influence future plans

If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the full job description. You will need to register on the candidate portal and complete the application form including your CV and cover letter.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This full-time post is offered on a fixed term basis for 3 years. The annual salary is £78,004 – £85,000 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, Employee-only benefits guide | [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. We value diversity of background, experience, and perspective, and are proud to be an inclusive employer. We warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from groups currently under-represented in our sector. If you feel passionate about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, please apply — we recognise that great candidates may bring strengths beyond the criteria listed.

We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] to find out how we can assist you.

About [Employer hidden]

Named in honour of Alan Turing, the Institute is a place for inspiring, exciting work and we need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to use their skills to contribute to our mission to make great leaps in data science and AI research to change the world for the better. Please find more information about us here.