Senior Cyber Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialist

Are you passionate about applying Artificial Intelligence to solve some of the most complex cyber challenges facing the UK?

We are looking for a Senior Cyber AI Specialist to join a multidisciplinary team delivering innovative AI solutions in support of national security. Working at the forefront of cyber research and development, you will apply advanced mathematical, analytical and software engineering techniques to develop novel AI capabilities, explore emerging technologies and provide technical leadership across a range of challenging projects.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies including large language models, deep learning and reinforcement learning, helping to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions that deliver real-world impact. You will investigate emerging threats and opportunities within AI, evaluate the performance and robustness of models, and contribute to the development of trusted and assured AI capabilities.

As a senior specialist, you will work closely with scientists, engineers and technical stakeholders across government, industry and academia. Alongside your technical contribution, you will help shape future research direction, support the development of colleagues and provide authoritative technical advice that influences decision-making and programme outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who combines strong technical expertise with curiosity, creativity and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the UK's cyber and national security mission.

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;

• Design, develop and evaluate innovative AI and machine learning solutions to address complex cyber challenges.
• Apply advanced Python software development skills to develop and assess AI techniques including deep learning, reinforcement learning and large language models.
• Investigate emerging AI technologies, threats and opportunities, identifying practical applications and future research areas.
• Analyse and interpret model behaviour, performance, explainability and limitations using mathematical and analytical approaches.
• Develop approaches to AI testing, evaluation, assurance and validation to support robust and trustworthy outcomes.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality technical outputs and research outcomes.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences through reports, presentations and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor colleagues and help grow AI capability across the organisation.
• Manage technical risks, contribute to strategic decision-making and support the successful delivery of projects and programmes.

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 19th of October with interviews taking place from the 2nd 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.