Head of AI Research

Job Requisition ID: 24562

Job Closing Date: 23:59, Sunday 22 June 2025

JOB BAND: F
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC Research & Development
LOCATION: Salford - MediaCityUK or London - Broadcasting House - Hybrid
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: Up to £147,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

We're happy to discuss flexible working. If you'd like to, please indicate your preference in the application - though there's no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

The BBC has engaged executive search firm The Search Group to manage the selection process for this role. Please be aware that your application will be managed by The Search Group, who will have access to your CV and personal details for the purpose of this vacancy only.

Should you want any further information about the role, or to speak to someone, please contact Sarah Stacey at the following email address: [email protected]

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

BBC R&D is the innovation powerhouse at the heart of the BBC's mission to inform, educate, and entertain. Our AI research team is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of machine learning, data science, and generative AI to redefine how audiences engage with media in an increasingly digital world.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of AI Research to lead this ambitious agenda who combines scientific rigour with a bold vision for how AI can transform public service media on a global stage.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

As the Head of AI Research, you will be responsible for designing and executing a world-leading research programme that places the BBC at the forefront of responsible and impactful AI innovation. Your leadership will shape the development of novel AI models, ethical frameworks, and transformative applications that set new standards for the news and media industry.

You will inspire a team of talented researchers and engineers, drive partnerships with leading AI institutions, and ensure that the BBC remains a trusted leader in AI research and development.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

Strategic research direction
Set and evolve a clear, technically ambitious AI research strategy aligned to the BBC's mission and future-facing media challenges.

Act as AI technical subject matter expert on behalf of BBC R&D to senior executives and leaders.

Identify emerging AI technologies that can shape the future of media and public value.

Scientific and technical leadership
Lead research into state-of-the-art AI methods, from large scale model architectures to algorithmic fairness and model interpretability.

Guide the development of prototypes and proof of concepts, accelerating the path from fundamental research to deployable solutions.

Foster a culture of rigorous experimentation, peer-reviewed publication and open research dissemination.

Team development and mentorship
Build and mentor a team of highly skilled AI researchers, engineers, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity and technical excellence.

Create an environment that values both fundamental science and real-world impact.

External engagement and collaboration
Establish partnerships with global AI research labs, academic institutions and industrial collaborators to amplify BBC R&D's capabilities and reach.

Represent BBC R&D within international AI communities, contributing to conferences, policy development and open-source projects.

Ethics, trust and social impact
Champion ethical AI principles, ensuring that fairness, transparency and accountability are embedded in all research activities.

Lead proactive work on AI safety, robustness and social impact, aligning BBC R&D's AI efforts with public interest.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• A track record in AI research, with high-impact publications, patents, or advanced applications of AI at scale.
• Demonstrated experience leading or managing AI research teams, combining scientific leadership with people development.
• Deep technical expertise in at least one of the following areas: deep learning, generative models, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, or multimodal AI.
• Experience translating AI research into real-world products or services, especially in media or mission-driven contexts.
• Ability to work effectively with non-research teams (e.g. editorial, product, engineering) and communicate technical ideas to broad audiences.
• Expertise in research methodologies and experimental design, with a strong record of rigour and reproducibility.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset - able to bridge complex technical ideas with business and audience needs.
• PhD (or equivalent experience) in AI, computer science, or a closely related discipline, ideally with experience at a world-leading AI lab.
• Commitment to working with BBC and R&D Communications and Marketing colleagues to ensure that the AI Research team's work is amplified with internal and external audiences.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Published in top-tier conferences and journals with strong citations and proven impact of your research work.
• An understanding of the challenges and opportunities of public service media in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• A passion for using AI as a force for good, delivering value and trust to global audiences.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the BBC's AI future, driving transformation across content creation, audience interaction, and public-interest AI leadership.

Disclaimer

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.

For any general queries, please contact: [email protected]

Redeployment

The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.

Information at a Glance

This is your BBC

At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world's best loved content, and the BBC's mission to inform, educate and entertain.

Find out more about the BBC

Life at BBC

Here you will benefit from:
• Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.
• Excellent career and professional development.
• Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer.
• A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.

Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis.

Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.

Candidate pack

You belong

We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.

Diversity, inclusion & belonging strategy

Disability confident

We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we'd be happy to discuss: [email protected]