Technical Specialist - Cyber-Physical Multi-Agent Systems

Advanced Research & Invention Agency; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research funding agency in London is seeking a Technical Specialist in Cyber-Physical Multi-Agent Systems. You will manage technical aspects, lead discussions, and catalyze breakthroughs in R&D. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field and strong foundational knowledge in mathematics or engineering. This role offers a competitive salary and hybrid working environment.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

Hybrid working arrangement

Learning and development opportunities

Defined contribution pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Strong technical foundations in mathematics, physics, or engineering.
• Highly adaptable and comfortable with uncertainty.
• Experience in embodied AI, AI games, or game theory.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical lead for a bold programme of research.
• Plan and lead technical discussions in project meetings.
• Communicate scientific ideas clearly to stakeholders.

Skills

Strong technical foundations in mathematics or physics

Experience in embodied AI or AI games

Excellent communication of complex ideas

Independent project management skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

PhD in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Technical Specialist – Cyber-Physical Multi-Agent Systems

Apply for the Technical Specialist – Cyber-Physical Multi-Agent Systems role at Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA).

Pay range: c.£70,000 – c.£90,000 – c.£105,000. Final offers will be based on benchmarked experience levels and our selection criteria.

Location: Kings X, London; Tues – Thurs (3 days) at HQ, Monday + Friday, anywhere. Employment type: Full‑time. Contract: 3 years fixed‑term (with possibility for extension).

About ARIA

ARIA is a new kind of R&D funding agency that funds 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 activates the UK’s world‑class R&D in new ways to meet these head‑on.

Role Summary

As an ARIA Technical Specialist you will work alongside the Programme Director and the Trust Everything, Everywhere team to catalyse breakthroughs that could change the world. You will manage technical aspects of the programme from design through approval, project selection, and delivery.

What you’ll do

Following is a broad outline of responsibilities:

Technical Programme Advisory and Support

• Act as the technical lead with the Programme Director and their Programme Specialist to shape and deliver a bold programme of research.
• Review proposals, assess technical milestones, and stay close to the ground on what’s being built and tested by Creator teams.
• Plan, lead, and contribute to technical discussions in project meetings, workshops, and formal reviews.
• Provide evidence‑based technical insight to support high‑quality decisions and sharpen the programme’s strategic direction.
• Communicate complex scientific ideas to stakeholders, from government and funders to key players across the ecosystem.
• Identify emerging trends and surface the most promising technologies, people, and ideas.
• Co‑author white papers, open calls, and technical reviews that articulate the ambition of the programme.
• Work closely with the Programme Specialist and Creator teams to drive project delivery, benchmarking progress and spotting opportunities for research cross‑pollination.
• Serve as the technical bridge between the Programme Director and functional teams to ensure execution aligns with ecosystem needs.

Connecting the Programme to the Ecosystem

• Represent the programme at events, workshops, and talks on behalf of the Programme Director.
• Build trusted relationships with world‑class researchers, labs, and founders working at the forefront of the programme’s focus area.
• Collaborate with ARIA’s Activation Partners to ensure Creator teams can access the right tools, platforms, and networks.

Define and Cultivate ARIA’s Technical Culture

• Collaborate on funding models, budgets, tooling, and operational mechanisms to support effective, flexible funding and programme delivery.
• Contribute as a member of ARIA’s Technical Specialists (‘T‑Specs’) sharing best practices and learnings.
• Help build and sustain ARIA’s scientific and operational culture.

Who you are

• Strong technical foundations in mathematics, physics, or engineering.
• Hacker‑like, DIY mindset; prototypes quickly and red‑teams effectively.
• Entrepreneurial, willing to start new initiatives and think outside the box.
• Independent, able to manage projects from start to completion with high standards.
• Hungry and ambitious, pushing the team and yourself toward big goals.
• Uncovers non‑obvious opportunities and risks, connecting teams, ideas, and research threads.
• Articulates complex technical concepts clearly and confidently.
• Highly adaptable and comfortable with uncertainty.
• Experience in embodied AI, AI games, or game theory.
• Experience in physical‑world fields (biology, quantum, neuroscience, robotics).
• Practical engineering, startup, or industry experience.
• AI‑curious and has worked with or studied AI implications.
• Obsessed with niche technologies and future possibilities.
• Creator, evidence of turning passions into tangible outcomes.
• Successfully performed technical assignments requiring novel approaches.
• Skilled in identifying bottlenecks, risk analysis, and reporting on complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of the UK R&D ecosystem and how to activate relevant parts of it.

Qualifications

• Scientific qualification, preference for PhD in Physics/Mathematics/Engineering.
• Deep technical experience in AI security, embodied AI, algorithmic game theory, or related areas.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave, option to buy/sell additional days.
• Hybrid working: 60% in office, 40% home.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Enhanced family leave arrangements.
• Free confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme.
• 5 % defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Excellent office at Kings X, London.

EEO Statement

We welcome a broad array of candidates and will give particular consideration to those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing requests will have no negative impact on your recruitment process.

Travel Requirement

Travelling to various locations in the UK and internationally may be required depending on the Programme you are designated to.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Information Technology, Research, and Strategy/Planning

Industries

Research Services and Technology, Information and Media