Senior Research Associate at the Alan Turing Institute, Foundation Models and Commonsense Reasoning

Position

In 2022, the Alan Turing Institute signalled its intention to establish a portfolio of foundational AI research, which would complement the strengths of the institute around applications of AI and AI policy. An initial portfolio of research in foundation models, game theory, and probabilistic programming will be launched in early 2023. Each of these areas is called a ‘Pillar’. It is intended that this portfolio will complement the UK’s current activity, rather than duplicating existing efforts, and aiming to promote emerging new areas that show promise for the future.

FOUNDATION MODELS

Foundation models are large ML models trained on large, broad data sets. Foundation models such as GPT-3 have been shown to have remarkable capabilities for generating realistic natural language, and, to some extent, capabilities for problem solving and common-sense reasoning. Developing a Turing Foundation Model is beyond our present capacity. Instead we therefore propose work aimed at developing Turing expertise around the problem of precisely understanding the capabilities of such models. The main issue we aim to address is that of *benchmarking* such models: although such models appear to be very capable in some respects, they fail on apparently simple tasks, in unpredictable ways. In short, we don't have a clear understanding of the capabilities and shortcomings of such systems - which raises concerns for their use.

ROLE PURPOSE

We are looking for a Senior Research Associate to support and enable the delivery of the Foundation Model theme, under the direction of Anthony (Tony) Cohn, and in collaboration with Michael Wooldridge and Nigel Shadbolt.

The successful candidate will primarily focus on evaluating the extent to which, and the conditions under which existing Foundational Models can support common-sense reasoning (such as naive physics, spatial and temporal reasoning, the concept of agency, and causality). This work will be taken in parallel and in collaboration with researchers working on other aspects of the Foundation Models Pillar.

The candidate will join a vibrant team of researchers and will have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge projects and experts at leading universities.

The post can be based either at The Alan Turing Institute site in London, or at the University of Leeds. In either case you will need to travel to the other site when required (travel expenses will be paid as appropriate).

Further details and the online application form can be found here:

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