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; applicants who do not have DV clearance will not be considered.

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• 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 and driving the research agenda through an applied lens.
  
• Undertaking wider approaches necessary to establish an effective R&D effort, comprising upstream research to solve thorny problems relevant to national security.
  
• Providing technical leadership and oversight of research development, taking ownership for the technical quality, rigour and integrity of all team outputs – including code, technical reports, demos and papers.
  
• Establishing and continually developing an R&D team with the appropriate skills and expertise to meet evolving research needs, line‑managing staff and supporting their career development.
  
• Prioritising and promoting an iterative, experimentation‑led and outcome‑focused R&D culture.
  
• Engaging key stakeholders and maintaining positive relationships with partners in Government and UK universities, including deep technical discussions to shape research priorities and communicating complex ideas clearly.
  

To be successful the applicant will be 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. The successful candidate will hold a PhD or an equivalent professional experience that involves significant use of 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, fluency in one or more data‑science programming languages (primarily Python, but experience with other languages is considered) and proven leadership and communication skills are also required.

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

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

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.

To apply, please click the Apply button below, register on the applicant portal and complete the application form, including your CV and cover letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, contact us. If you are applying for more than one role at the Turing, please note that only one cover letter can be visible on your profile at one time. If you wish to apply for multiple roles and do not want to overwrite your existing cover letter, please apply for the role using the button below and forward your additional cover letter directly quoting the job title. Internal applicants may send CV and cover letter directly to [email].

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