Senior Cyber Artificial Intelligence Specialist

Are you excited by the potential of Artificial Intelligence to solve some of the most complex challenges facing national security and defence?

Dstl is seeking a Senior Cyber Artificial Intelligence Specialist to join a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of AI innovation.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to research, develop and apply cutting-edge AI technologies within cyber programmes, helping transform emerging capabilities into practical solutions that deliver real-world impact.

You will work on challenging technical problems, exploring the application of generative AI, large language models (LLMs), foundation models and autonomous systems to support operational effectiveness and decision-making. Working closely with scientists, engineers, cyber specialists and stakeholders, you will evaluate novel technologies, assess their strengths and limitations, and help shape their safe, responsible and effective use.

As a senior technical specialist, you will play a key role in developing AI capability across the organisation. You will provide technical leadership, support the delivery of complex projects, advise customers and stakeholders, and mentor less experienced colleagues. This is an opportunity to apply your expertise in a unique environment where innovation, technical excellence and collaboration are essential to delivering outcomes of national importance.

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;

• Research, develop and apply AI technologies to solve complex cyber and defence challenges.
• Evaluate emerging AI capabilities, including generative AI, large language models, foundation models and autonomous systems.
• Assess the performance, effectiveness, risks and limitations of AI systems, producing evidence-based recommendations.
• Contribute to the assurance, testing and validation of AI-enabled capabilities.
• Develop innovative approaches, tools and methodologies that enhance AI capability and operational effectiveness.
• Provide authoritative technical advice and guidance to customers, stakeholders and project teams.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, assessments and briefings for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Lead technical activities within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring delivery of high-quality outcomes.
• Support the development of organisational AI expertise through mentoring, coaching and knowledge sharing.

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

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.

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.