Principal Cyber Artificial Intelligence Specialist

We are seeking an exceptional Principal Cyber Artificial Intelligence Specialist to play a leading role in shaping the future of AI-enabled capabilities for defence and national security. This is a rare opportunity to influence how advanced AI technologies are researched, developed, evaluated and deployed within some of the UK's most complex and high-impact environments.

As a recognised technical authority, you will provide strategic leadership across multiple AI and cyber programmes, guiding decisions on emerging technologies and ensuring AI capabilities are safe, effective and fit for purpose. Working at the intersection of cyber security, artificial intelligence and national security, you will collaborate with senior stakeholders across government, industry and academia to solve challenging problems and deliver operational advantage.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to influence future technology strategy, drive innovation and build organisational capability through mentoring, technical leadership and community development. You will help shape policy, governance and assurance approaches while leading multidisciplinary teams tackling some of the most complex challenges facing defence today.

The successful candidate will combine deep expertise in AI technologies with outstanding leadership, communication and strategic thinking skills. You will be comfortable operating in highly complex environments, providing evidence-based advice to senior decision-makers and creating clarity where there is uncertainty.

This role is eligible for an additional specialist allowance of £2758 annually subject to meeting extended onboarding requirements. The role may be eligible for additional skills allowances depending on the skills and experience of the applicant.

What you'll do;

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction across AI-enabled cyber research, development and capability programmes.
• Identify, evaluate and exploit emerging AI technologies and methodologies to shape future capabilities.
• Lead the assessment, assurance and governance of complex AI systems, ensuring informed and evidence-based decisions are made.
• Act as a senior technical authority, providing expert advice to customers, stakeholders and delivery teams.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships across government, defence, industry and academia.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical and operational challenges.
• Influence technology strategy, policy development and future research priorities.
• Mentor senior practitioners and enhance organisational capability through knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Promote innovation, technical excellence and the responsible adoption of AI within cyber and national security environments

For more information on the job responsibilities, please see the job profile attached below.

Relevant STEM-based degree such as Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics. Individual with equivalent skills qualifications or experience are also actively encouraged to apply.

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

At the application stage, we will assess your submitted application against the essential criteria set out in the job profile.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 16th of November with interviews taking place from the 23rd of November.

Your interview will consist of behavioural and technical competency-based questions. You will also be required to deliver a 10-minute presentation. Further details for the presentation will be provided to candidates invited to interview.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.