Data Scientist, Defence and National Security

The Alan Turing Institute

Named in honour of Alan Turing, the Institute is a place for inspiring, exciting work and we need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to use their skills to contribute to our mission to make great leaps in data science and AI research to change the world for the better.

Please find more information about us here

BACKGROUND

The Defence & National Security Programme at the Alan Turing Institute seeks to bolster its research and innovation team working 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 collaboration with Government partners such as select UK universities. Following in the footsteps of the institute s namesake, Alan Turing, the team operates at the intersection of mathematics, engineering and computing and works in close collaboration with the Turing s National Security partners.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate would have a breadth of data science experience, ranging from mathematical to engineering, and a passion for, or experience in delivering real world impact via machine learning applications. Experience in; AI security applications, agentic systems, ML engineering, theory of deep learning, cryptographic or data privacy methods, manifold learning, LLM applications, mechanistic interpretability or adversarial methods are highly desirable but not essential.

Eligibility for DV clearance is essential for this role. Eligibility criteria and further information can be found on the UK Government security vetting website .

We require essential information in your cover letter to progress your application. Details available under Application Procedure on our portal.

Please note that if you do not provide this information in your cover letter, we will not be able to progress your application.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Understand the problems of the Turing s partners and develop appropriate approaches.
• Develop and implement state-of-the-art and novel data science and artificial intelligence techniques emerging from the Institute and elsewhere.
• Present, disseminate and explain our work.
• Work at pace, in a highly collaborative environment, using industry standard tooling to create software artifacts.

Person Specification

• Eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and a willingness to undergo the DV clearance process once in post, if not already held.
• PhD degree or equivalent professional experience in a field with significant use of computer programming and advanced algorithmic, statistical or numerical techniques.
• Undergraduate-level degree or higher in computer science, data science, mathematics, physics, statistics, or a related-discipline.
• Professional experience in a field with significant use of computer programming and advanced algorithmic, statistical or numerical techniques.
• Fluency in one or more modern programming languages used in data science.
• Experience working with customers to identify, understand and refine problems.

Please see our portal for a full breakdown of the Job Description.

Terms and Conditions

This full-time post is offered on a permanent basis. The annual salary is £45,505-£51,241 plus excellent benefits including flexible working and family friendly policies, Employee-only benefits guide The Alan Turing Institute

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London s Knowledge Quarter. We expect staff to come to our office at least 4 days per month. Some roles may require more days in the office; the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

Application procedure

Please see our jobs portal for full details on how to apply and the interview process.

As this role requires eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance, it is an essential part of the application process that you include the following information as part of your cover letter:

• Your current nationality
• Your nationality at birth
• Other nationality (include dual nationality if applicable)
• Confirmation that you have been residing in the UK for the past 5 years (if you haven t, please provide details of when and where you resided and the reason)
• Country where you were born.
• County in which you were born.
• Town where you were born.

Please note, if these details are not provided, we will be unable to progress with your application for this role.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible and inclusive.

This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at to find out how we can assist you.