Machine Learning Scientist Jobs

Experts who design, build, and optimise machine learning models to solve complex problems. A role that combines deep technical knowledge with a creative approach to data-driven solutions.

Open roles
7
Salary range
£31k – £98k
Hiring companies
7

Machine Learning Scientists are at the heart of the AI revolution, driving innovation through the development and deployment of advanced machine learning models. These roles are found in a variety of settings, from research-heavy startups to large tech companies and academic institutions. ML Scientists work on a wide range of projects, from developing cutting-edge algorithms to improving the efficiency and accuracy of existing models. They often collaborate with data engineers, software developers, and domain experts to bring their models to life and ensure they deliver real-world impact.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Machine Learning Scientist

A typical week for a Machine Learning Scientist is a mix of research, experimentation, and collaboration. They spend time coding, analysing data, and refining models.

  1. 01
    Design and implement machine learning algorithms.
  2. 02
    Analyse and preprocess large datasets.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate models.
  4. 04
    Conduct experiments and validate model performance.
  5. 05
    Document findings and present results to stakeholders.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest research and techniques.
Salary on the board

£31k – £98k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 5 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
4% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 13 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Machine Learning
85%
Python
54%
Statistics
38%
PyTorch
31%
Reinforcement Learning
23%
High-Performance Computing
23%
Representation Learning
23%
Model Evaluation
23%
Artificial Intelligence
15%
Computational Biology
15%
Deep Learning
15%
TensorFlow
15%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for machine learning scientists. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Machine Learning Scientist

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in data preprocessing and model training, with guidance from senior team members.

  2. Level 2

    Machine Learning Scientist

    2–5 yrs

    Lead the development of machine learning models, from design to deployment, and contribute to research efforts.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Machine Learning Scientist

    5–8 yrs

    Oversee multiple projects, mentor junior scientists, and drive innovation in model development and optimisation.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Machine Learning Scientist

    8+ yrs

    Strategise and lead the overall direction of machine learning initiatives, influence company-wide AI strategy, and collaborate with external partners.

Pathway

How to become a Machine Learning Scientist

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Gain a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer science through a relevant degree.

  2. 2

    Practical Experience

    Build practical skills through internships, personal projects, or contributions to open-source projects.

  3. 3

    Specialisation

    Focus on a specific area of machine learning, such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, or natural language processing.

  4. 4

    Professional Development

    Continue learning through advanced courses, certifications, and staying updated with the latest research.

  5. 5

    Leadership Roles

    Take on leadership responsibilities, mentor junior scientists, and drive strategic initiatives.

  6. 6

    Industry Impact

    Influence the broader industry through thought leadership, publications, and collaborations with leading institutions.

Live jobs

7 live roles

Latent Labs

Machine Learning Scientist

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  • London
  • Hybrid
  • Senior
  • Permanent

Architect novel generative models to design functional proteins, working in an interdisciplinary team of ML researchers, protein engineers and biologists. The role spans data curation, evaluation metrics, rapid prototyping, cloud training and inference optimisation, plus planning wet lab testing campaigns with the bio team.

Visa sponsorship 4 months ago

Relation Therapeutics

Machine Learning Scientist, Generative Modelling

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  • London
  • Senior
  • Permanent

Design and implement generative models that learn intervention effects from single-cell perturbation and multiomic data, focusing on counterfactual prediction and experimental design. Work in interdisciplinary teams with experimental biologists to validate computational hypotheses and guide the highest-signal next experiments, using modern ML tooling and scalable infrastructure.

Last month
Isomorphic Labs logo

Isomorphic Labs · 201–500 people · Series A

Research Scientist (Machine Learning), London

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  • London
  • Hybrid · 3 days in office
  • Senior · manages people

Builds greenfield machine learning models and algorithms for drug discovery, designing new architectures, running experiments and scaling training and inference frameworks. Works in an interdisciplinary team of ML scientists, engineers and domain experts, with opportunities to lead projects and mentor others depending on experience.

JAX · PyTorch · TensorFlow +3

4 months ago

Wayve · 11–50 people · Series A

Applied Scientist/Machine Learning Engineer, Gaia

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  • London
  • Hybrid
  • Senior
  • Permanent

Develops next-generation generative world models and planners such as GAIA, simulating complex driving environments for faster training and scalable deployment. Works across diffusion, transformer and hybrid architectures, optimising inference latency and building interactive models for reinforcement learning and safety evaluation. Involves setting technical direction, mentoring researchers and publishing at top venues.

PyTorch · GAIA · Transformer +1

Visa sponsorship Last month

RecruitmentRevolution.com

Process Intelligence Scientist - Python, Machine Learning, Statistics, Data Science

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  • Didcot
  • On-site
  • £45,000 – £65,000 pa
  • Mid-level
  • Permanent

Develops predictive models and chemometric capabilities that turn spectroscopy and industrial process data into practical recommendations for manufacturers. Works hands-on with Python, machine learning and statistics alongside chemometricians, software developers and customer engineering teams, with occasional international travel. Combines technical experimentation with customer collaboration to shape the IRis platform.

Azure · IRmadillo · IRis

5 days ago

The University of Manchester

Research Fellow in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Scientific Discovery

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  • Manchester
  • Hybrid
  • £48,337 – £59,390 pa
  • Mid-level
  • Contract

Develops and applies machine-learning and AI methods to protein engineering and enzyme design, analysing large biological, chemical and experimental datasets and building predictive models and computational tools. Works within an interdisciplinary group spanning the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, providing ML and data-science expertise, training and support to postdocs and students, and contributing to publications and funding bids.

2 weeks ago

University of Exeter

PhD Studentship: Multiscale Scientific Machine Learning Digital Twins for High-Torque Electric Propulsion under Extreme Duty Cycles

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  • Exeter
  • £21,805 pa
  • Entry level
  • Contract

Develops a multiscale Scientific Machine Learning digital-twin framework to predict thermal trajectories, torque capability and efficiency in low-speed, high-torque electric propulsion. Combines physics-informed neural networks, neural state-space models and Neural ODEs, validated through safety-constrained dynamometer experiments at the Centre for Future Clean Mobility and on-site work with a marine power-systems partner.

Neural Ordinary Differential Equations · Deep Neural Networks · Recurrent Neural Networks +1

Last week
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include strong programming abilities, a deep understanding of algorithms and data structures, and proficiency in statistical analysis and machine learning frameworks.

  • A PhD is highly valued but not always required. Many successful Machine Learning Scientists have a master's degree and extensive practical experience.

  • Common industries include tech, finance, healthcare, and academia. Scaleups and research-heavy startups are also significant employers.

  • Salary ranges can vary widely based on experience, location, and industry. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

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