Principal Data Scientist, AI Security Research

The Defence & National Security Programme (D&NS) at the Alan Turing Institute is seeking to establish a new research and innovation team to work on AI Security. The aim is to further cutting-edge research and engineering approaches to solve real-world problems in AI/ML security, working in close collaboration with government partners such as select UK universities.

Please note that applicants must already have Developed Vetting (DV) clearance in order to apply for this role. Unfortunately if you do not already hold DV clearance then we will not be able to consider your application.

The Principal will lead and grow the AI Security Group and develop an R&D portfolio to reflect the biggest challenges in the AI security domain. These challenges, held in a problem book , will reflect areas where government partners are most in need of new paradigms, tools and techniques, as well as where Turing as the national AI research institute is best placed to support this agenda. The challenges could range from AI model provenance to security of compressed ML and the post-holder will be expected to shape the research direction. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a national effort and build a world-leading group within this field.

The role is suited to candidates who are both familiar with the national security domain and the application of research to national security challenges and are themselves a researcher in data science and artificial intelligence with an outstanding track record of research or similar experience across related disciplines and a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, or theoretical computer science.

A deep understanding of mathematical principles underpinning modern AI systems is essential for success in this role.

Your Profile

DV security clearance is an essential requirement for this role and applicants will need to already hold DV clearance. Further information about DV clearance can be found on the UK Government security vetting website .

In addition to DV clearance, you will have a PhD or equivalent professional experience in a field with significant use of both computer programming and advanced mathematics, specifically in relation to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Direct experience developing and deploying technologies in support of UK Defence and National Security organisations will be essential as well as fluency in one or more programming languages used in data science. We predominantly work in Python, but demonstrable experience of other programme languages is important. As well as excellent technical skills, the successful candidate will need to demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, and have experience in managing a team and setting strategic direction at a team level.

Main Duties

• Defining and maintaining the research strategy of the team, specifically providing scientific leadership on AI security with responsibility for developing and delivering on the problem book. This means driving the research agenda through an applied lens, whereby the outputs are of high utility to our national security partners.
• Undertake wider approaches as necessitated to establish an effective R&D effort, i.e. more upstream research to solve thorny problems that are meaningful in the context of national security.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight of research development, taking ownership for the technical quality, rigour and integrity of all team outputs, and being responsible for delivering high quality outputs include code, technical reports, demos and papers.
• Establish and continually develop an R&D team with the appropriate skills and expertise to meet evolving research needs, and line manage staff, supporting their career development aspirations.
• Prioritise and promote an iterative, experimentation-led and outcome-focused R&D culture.
• Engage key stakeholders, maintaining positive and productive relationships with required partners in Government and UK universities including the need to engage in deep technical discussions to shape research priorities, communicate complex ideas clearly and ensure mutual understanding of technical challenges and solutions.

Please see our portal for a full breakdown of the role.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us on , or email .

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If you are an internal applicant and wish to apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter directly to and your application will be considered.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: SUNDAY 25 JANUARY AT 23:59 (LONDON, UK GMT)

We will review applications and shortlist on an ongoing basis, from early January, and may invite successful applicants to interview ahead of the closing date. We encourage all interested applicants to apply early.

Terms and Conditions

This full-time post is offered on a permanent basis. The annual salary is £78,422-£83,456 plus security clearance (DV) allowance and excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, Employee-only benefits guide The Alan Turing Institute

DV security clearance is an essential requirement for this role, and applicants will need to already hold DV clearance. Further information about DV clearance can be found on the UK Government security vetting website