Salary: £70,000 – £105,000 / year
Location: Kings X, London (hybrid, 60% office / 40% home)
Employment type: Full‑time, Permanent
Closing date: 17 May 2026
About ARIAARIA
ARIAARIA is a new R&D funding agency built to unlock technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world‑class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on. Our success is shaped by one question: how will ARIA transform the lives of the UK’s future generations?
Role Summary
As an ARIA Science and Technology Lead, you will catalyse breakthroughs that could change the world. You will work closely with the Programme Director, Programme Specialist, and the Science and Technology Lead on ARIA’s Robot Dexterity programme, managing technical aspects from design to delivery. Your impact will extend beyond a single programme into the broader Smarter Robot Bodies opportunity space, surfacing insights and accelerating discoveries across the portfolio.
What You’ll Do
Technical Programme Advisory and Support
* Act as the technical lead with the Programme Director and Specialist to shape and deliver a bold research programme on efficient robot locomotion.
* Review project proposals, grant applications, assess technical milestones, and stay close to what’s being built and tested by Creator teams.
* Plan, lead, and contribute to technical discussions in project meetings, workshops, and formal reviews, bringing depth, challenge, and direction to every interaction.
* Provide evidence‑based technical insight to support high‑quality decisions and sharpen the programme’s strategic direction.
* Communicate complex scientific ideas surrounding the programme to stakeholders, from government and funders to key players across the ecosystem.
* Contribute technical prowess in application areas for robot locomotion (e.g., inspection & maintenance, construction) and other cutting‑edge capabilities within the programme, amplifying its overall effectiveness.
* Identify emerging trends and surface the most promising technologies, people, and ideas across the programme and its surrounding opportunity space.
* Co‑author white papers, open calls, and technical reviews to articulate the ambition of the programme and set a clear, compelling vision for external communities.
* Work closely with the Programme Specialist and Creator teams to drive project delivery, track against ambitious technical milestones, benchmark progress against the state of the art, and spot opportunities for research cross‑pollination to sustain momentum.
* Maintain a deep understanding of past and present programmes and Creator projects, helping new Programme Directors build on successes, avoid pitfalls, and leverage existing technologies and insights.
Connecting the Programme to the Ecosystem
* Represent the programme, often on behalf of the Programme Director, at events, workshops, and talks.
* Support the broader opportunity space by identifying and developing innovative ways to expand it, bringing in new ideas, talent, and opportunities that deliver long‑term value beyond the immediate needs of one programme.
* Build trusted relationships with world‑class researchers, labs, and founders working at the forefront of the programme’s focus area, as well as the broader opportunity space.
* Work closely with ARIA’s Activation Partners to ensure Creator teams can access the right tools, platforms, and networks to accelerate translation and achieve impact beyond ARIA’s direct reach.
Define and Cultivate ARIA’s Technical Culture
* Collaborate across ARIA on funding models, budgets, tooling, and operational mechanisms to support effective, flexible funding and programme delivery.
* Contribute as a member of ARIA’s team of Science and Technology Leads, sharing best practices and learnings between programmes to strengthen ARIA’s overall portfolio of work.
* Identify opportunities to expand the opportunity space and build the connective tissue between adjacent spaces.
* Help build and sustain ARIA’s scientific and operational culture.
Who You Are
Essential Criteria
* First‑hand exposure to developing robotics hardware and simulations, preferably in robot locomotion.
* General understanding of machine learning/artificial intelligence.
* Ability to grasp and navigate diverse technical projects.
* Strong translation of complex technical concepts and timelines to diverse stakeholders, effectively bridging gaps between teams and perspectives.
* Willingness to ask questions and rapidly learn and adapt to new scientific areas, comprehending key components of new technical disciplines.
* Capability to uncover non‑obvious opportunities and risks, connecting teams, ideas, and research threads in novel ways that drive adoption and translation.
* Highly adaptable, comfortable with uncertainty and a fast‑paced environment.
* Clear and compelling communication of complex concepts, structured thinking, and effective idea interrogation.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience with robotics/mechatronics systems design, notably in robotic locomotion.
* Experience with robotic control systems and simulations.
* Senior role in robotics development projects.
* Practical expertise in machine learning/artificial intelligence.
* Experience in research labs and/or industry, or other fast‑paced environments.
* Experience moving research from the lab to a product, whether in a startup or larger company.
* Successful performance of technical assignments that require unconventional or novel approaches.
* Skilled in identifying technical bottlenecks, risk analysis and resolution, tracking technical milestones, and reporting on complex technical projects.
* Strong working knowledge of the UK R&D ecosystem.
Qualifications
Scientific qualification with preference for a PhD or similar deep technical experience in areas such as robotic hardware, robotic software, robot control, robot simulation, materials science, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or systems engineering.
Benefits
* 27 days annual leave provision, with the option to buy/sell additional days.
* Hybrid working arrangements – 60% in office / 40% at home.
* Supportive environment for learning and development opportunities.
* Enhanced family leave arrangements.
* A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme.
* Paid volunteer days (2 days).
* 5% defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension.
* Cycle to Work scheme.
* Excellent office location in Kings X, London.
Application
We encourage you to apply, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Please provide a cover letter and note any reasonable adjustments required.
ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility.
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