ARIA is a new kind of R&D funding agency. 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.

Learn more about how we work here.

Are you a scientist, engineer or technologist who wants to be at the centre of an agency that could change the world?

We’re looking for our first cohort of ARIA Frontier Specialists. This pilot initiative is your chance to step off the standard career track and go after outsized impact.

As a Frontier Specialist, you’ll get first hand experience of how to turn bold scientific ideas into reality.

You’ll work alongside our new cohort of Programme Directors (starting April 2025), helping to ideate, soundboard and scope new programme directions.

Working with a high degree of autonomy, you’ll provide deep dive analyses into the state-of-the-art in different scientific disciplines; perform feasibility calculations on technologies that don’t even exist yet; and explore cross-disciplinary solutions that could push the frontier of scientific possibility.

You’ll join us for two years, with unique development opportunities. For example, you’ll get the chance to attend programme events and workshops; attend at least one international conference per year; and invest in learning new skills (such as techno-economic analysis).

This role has the potential to offer an incredible springboard into whatever you want to do next — you’ll gain exposure to a wide range of ideas and organisation-types, and engage with world-class thinkers and builders across the global R&D ecosystem.

Working alongside a bold, talented team, you’ll be in the pursuit of groundbreaking advancements that will shape the future of science & technology.

More information to follow once the full job description is live...

The scope of the role will evolve as ARIA continues to grow, especially as this is a new pilot initiative. Broadly, we expect that in this role you will:

• Support the new cohort of Programme Directors with programme discovery - including joining discovery calls and site visits, and collaborating as a technical sounding board.

• Provide scientific bandwidth to Programme Directors, delivering technical deep dives on emerging themes. For example, this might include a concise analytical summary of the state-of-the-art in a particular field, or a technoeconomic analysis, to help assess the potential value of different research directions.

• Build bridges and connectivity between ARIA, our projects and the wider ecosystem - identifying interesting ideas or potential collaborations. This might include spending time with our Activation Partners or other partners, finding connection points between projects and people across our opportunity spaces, and attending technical talks and events.

• Leverage the ARIA platform for independent thinking, ad hoc “special projects” and creative work (approx 20% of your time). For example, this might include scoping + brainstorming future ARIA research directions and other potential initiatives; writing white papers; running a workshop; or building conviction in a high-potential idea.

We pride ourselves on transparency with both incoming candidates and our employees throughout their journey at ARIA. As such, we would ask candidates considering applying to this role to give some thought to the following points and ask themselves if its unique context feels right for them.

• As a pilot initiative, we have ideas on the role’s activities and impact but these will be refined alongside our first cohort. You should feel comfortable in the ambiguity and as excited by it as we are.

• You will need to work hard to get projects off the ground, build consensus, and drive them forward.

• With a role so full of potential, there is a chance you may feel frustrated by all of the things you’d like to do but do not have the capacity to achieve. Especially if you are as ambitious and curious as we hope you are. Again, we see this as a good thing and will offer the support as a team to help you achieve as much as possible.

You have a scientific background, with a preference for PhD or equivalent experience in the R&D sector.

Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don’t worry. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We want to attract the broadest array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to this, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing any requests are intended to provide ARIA with the best opportunity to support candidates and will have no negative impact on your recruitment process.

Please note; You may be required, as and when necessary, to travel to different locations around the UK to meet with and support projects.

ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility. You can read our policy here. Our research and development activity will abide by the 3Rs principle. You can read about those here.