Principal Data Scientist, AI Security Research

Alan Turing Institute London, United Kingdom Research Programmes

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.

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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.

The Principal will take lead in forming a new research 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.

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 .

• 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.
• Work collaboratively across Turing business areas to ensure the smooth running of the group and reporting to partners, including Programme Management team to ensure effective and timely reporting.
• Support appropriate governance protocols by helping to establish these and providing ongoing contributions to enable effective oversight of the group.
• Participate in the D&NS Leadership Group by attending team meetings and contributing where appropriate with updates, ideas and/or technical knowledge to support the Institute’s wider aims.

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the role.

• A PhD degree 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.
• Professional experience in a field or sector with significant use of both computer programming and advanced algorithmic, statistical or numerical techniques.
• An understanding of the importance of good practices for producing reliable software and reproducible analyses (e.g. version control, issue tracking, automated testing, package management, literate analysis tools such as Jupyter).
• Experience in making or evaluating the case for new projects (e.g. authoring or evaluating research proposals or business cases) and leading projects from ideation, scoping including developing budgets, and delivery through to impact.
• Experience in managing a team and setting strategic direction at a team level.

DV Security Clearance is an essential requirement and candidates will need to already hold DV clearance.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

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 30 NOVEMBER AT 23:59 (LONDON, UK GMT)

Interviews will take place in December and are likely to take place week commencing 8 December.

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

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.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. In accordance with the Equality Act, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are committed to building a diverse community and would like our leadership teal to reflect this. We therefore welcome applications from the broadest spectrum of backgrounds.

Reasonable adjustments to the interview process will be made for any candidates with a disability.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.

Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from .