Lead research on training language models and AI safety at Atla, overseeing a team and advancing evaluation techniques, contributing to research publications.
About Atla
Atla is committed to engineering safe, beneficial AI systems that will have a massive positive impact on the future of humanity. We are a London-based start-up building the most capable AI evaluation models. Become part of our growing world-class team, backed by Y Combinator, Creandum, and the founders of Reddit, Cruise, Rappi, Instacart and more.
Role
As Atla’s Chief Scientist, you’ll lead frontier research into training large language models, and advance the state of the art in AI safety research. As part of your role, you will:
- Steer LLMs to become strong evaluators aligned with human preferences using advanced post-training techniques.
- Lead and empower a world-class team of researchers and engineers, setting a high bar of excellence that propels Atla forward.
- Define and execute an ambitious research agenda that advances Atla's position as a leader in language model evaluation.
- Develop comprehensive evaluation frameworks, including tooling, datasets and metrics for rigorous assessment of alignment and safety risks.
- Contribute significant findings to leading AI safety conferences and journals.
Please note that this role is in-person (we can sponsor visas and offer international relocation support as a UK AI Futures partner!)
Qualifications
Proven AI research leadership:
- Track record of 5+ years in pioneering AI research, with significant contributions to the field of LLMs, evidenced by publications in top-tier conferences and journals.
- Proven experience in defining and executing research agendas, demonstrating the ability to guide and align a team toward achieving ambitious research goals.
- Demonstrated success leading teams of researchers.
- Deep expertise in training and evaluating language models across GPUs, preferably in PyTorch.
- Experience at elite AI research lab (OpenAI, DeepMind, Meta, Anthropic, Cohere, etc.).
Nice to have
- Experience at a fast growing startup.
- Strong software, ML engineering expertise with a focus on building robust, scalable system.
About you
You'll work by and thrive through our core principles:
Own the Outcome
- Create real value: Every action should deliver tangible, meaningful value for the people who use what we build.
- Drive to completion: Do the second 90%.
- Do fewer things, better: Prioritize focus over breadth.
Back the Team
- Collaborate for excellence: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
- Seek truth: Let the best ideas win, no matter where they come from, and let go of ego.
- Argue passionately, then commit fully: Debate fiercely, but once a decision is made, own it like it’s yours.
Drive the Mission
- Advance AI safety: Every action should contribute towards the safe development of AI.
- Go big or go home: “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Compensation
- £200K - £300K
- Significant stake in equity as one of our core technical leaders
- Pension plan with employer contributions
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Join our driven founding team to make a dent in the universe by engineering safe, beneficial AI systems!
“This role is supported by AI Futures Grants, a UK Government scheme designed to help the next generation of AI leaders meet the costs of relocating to the UK. AI Futures Grants provide financial support to reimburse relocation costs such as visa fees, the immigration health surcharge and travel/subsistence expenses. Successful candidates for this role may be able to get up to £10,000 to meet relocations costs, subject to terms and conditions.”
Atla London, England Office
London, England, United Kingdom
Similar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence • Healthtech • Professional Services • Analytics • Consulting
You will support pharmaceutical companies in developing market access strategies, pricing, negotiations, and creating compelling value propositions while leading teams and managing projects.
Top Skills:
AnalyticsDataHealthcare System InsightPricing Strategies
Big Data • Food • Hardware • Machine Learning • Retail • Automation • Manufacturing
The role supports process design and development in R&D, focusing on delivering consumer-oriented projects effectively and safely while ensuring compliance with standards.
Top Skills:
EngineeringHaccpModelingProcess DesignSimulations
Big Data • Food • Hardware • Machine Learning • Retail • Automation • Manufacturing
Lead scientific modelling and simulation projects, utilizing computational chemistry to solve complex ingredient challenges, design simulations, and report results for innovation in food science.
Top Skills:
Computational Chemistry Software ToolsMatlabPython
What you need to know about the London Tech Scene
London isn't just a hub for established businesses; it's also a nursery for innovation. Boasting one of the most recognized fintech ecosystems in Europe, attracting billions in investments each year, London's success has made it a go-to destination for startups looking to make their mark. Top U.K. companies like Hoptin, Moneybox and Marshmallow have already made the city their base — yet fintech is just the beginning. From healthtech to renewable energy to cybersecurity and beyond, the city's startups are breaking new ground across a range of industries.
