Research Associate in Computer Science

King's College London

Institution: King's College London
Department: Department of Informatics
Research Group: Distributed AI (DAI) Group
Employment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Contract Type: Fixed-term (18 months, with possible extension subject to funding)

About the Role

King's College London is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Research Associate) with an excellent track record in knowledge graphs, semantic technologies, and machine learning.

Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Natural Language Processing (NLP)
  • Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Graph Learning
  • General Pre-trained Transformers
  • Prompt Engineering
  • Knowledge Graphs
  • Knowledge Representation
  • Knowledge Engineering
  • Linked Data

The successful candidate will join the Distributed AI (DAI) Group in the Department of Informatics.

The role focuses on neuro-symbolic AI, particularly the use of generative AI and prompt engineering to engineer trustworthy knowledge graphs. The research includes designing algorithms and architectures, as well as developing process blueprints and guidance for knowledge engineers to effectively use generative AI tools.

The postholder will work closely with Prof. Elena Simperl, Dr. Albert Meroño Peñuela, and a research team of more than 15 researchers and PhD students working in the field of knowledge graphs.

The role includes:

  • Conducting research in neuro-symbolic AI and related fields.
  • Producing high-quality scientific publications.
  • Developing application showcases to demonstrate research impact.
  • Supporting impact and community-building activities, including:
    • Hackathons
    • Workshops
    • Tutorials
    • Community meetups

The research will contribute to several large collaborative projects involving application areas such as:

  • Cultural heritage
  • Enterprise data management
  • Legal compliance

The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in the technical areas listed above, together with a proven record of scientific excellence through publications in leading conferences and journals, as well as experience with open science and FAIR research practices.

The appointment is full-time (35 hours per week) on an 18-month fixed-term contract. Part-time arrangements may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Subject to funding, there may be an opportunity to extend the appointment beyond the initial contract period.

About You

Essential Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate:

  1. PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related discipline.
  2. Proven experience with semantic technologies, including:Proven experience with predictive and generative AI.
    • Knowledge Graphs
    • Ontologies
    • Data Modelling
    • RDF
    • RDFS
    • OWL
  4. Practical experience using:Proven record of publications in leading A/A* conferences and journals, together with experience in open science and FAIR practices.
    • Large Language Models (LLMs)
    • Generative AI techniques
    • Prompt engineering
  6. Strong teamwork skills demonstrated through collaborative projects, co-authored publications, or organisation of joint activities.
  7. Excellent organisational and time-management skills, including experience organising scientific workshops or similar events.

Desirable Criteria

The following experience would be advantageous:

  • Familiarity with AI-enabled tools, AI assistants, and agentic AI.
  • Contributions to Wikipedia and/or Wikidata.
  • Practical experience with FAIR and open science practices.
  • Contributions to AI or Web standards.
  • Experience communicating scientific research to non-academic audiences.
  • Experience applying neuro-symbolic AI in one or more of the following domains:Track record of organising dissemination and community-building activities such as conference workshops or tutorials.
    • Law
    • Arts and Culture
    • Enterprise Data Management

Job Description

A detailed Job Description outlining the role, responsibilities, and assessment criteria can be downloaded from the recruitment portal after selecting "Apply Now."

Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis and are awaiting formal award will also be considered.

In such cases:

  • Appointment will initially be made as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Spine Point 30).
  • Following confirmation of the PhD award, the appointment will automatically progress to Research Associate (Grade 6) with the corresponding salary increase.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Supporting Statement explaining how they satisfy the essential criteria listed in the person specification.

Where there is a strong field of applicants, the desirable criteria may be used during shortlisting. Applicants are therefore encouraged to provide evidence addressing these criteria where applicable.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Applications

King's College London recognises the growing role of artificial intelligence in professional work.

Applicants may use AI tools to assist with application preparation, for example:

  • Researching the role.
  • Structuring written responses.

However:

  • All submitted application materials must represent the applicant's own work and experience.
  • AI tools must not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment.

Further Information

King's College London is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, collaborative, and welcoming academic community.

The University supports:

  • Equality of opportunity.
  • Academic freedom.
  • Freedom of expression.
  • Respectful and constructive exchange of ideas.

Applications are reviewed in accordance with King's recruitment procedures.

The University reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. All vacancies close at 23:59 on the advertised closing date.

Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

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