Lead AI/ML Technologist

Reporting to the Director of Technology AI, you will be a key member of the Advanced AI team (AAIT) which is the core AI research unit at Digital Catapult and responsible for carrying out collaborative R&D and IP development in cutting edge technologies such as Agentic AI, Neurosymbolic AI and AI for science, in line with UK governments industrial priority areas. You will lead development of research proposals (at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-5) for funders such as UKRI, ARIA and Horizon Europe, lead the delivery of R&D projects, mentor more junior team members in AI and operations, be a key contributor to the Digital Catapult AI technology roadmap and strategy, evolution of the role of the AAIT within the organisation as a whole and act as a key AI thought leader and source of expertise across the organisation.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties)

• Lead development of original research in the cutting edge of AI and ML (focusing on TRL 3 and above) in areas such as agentic AI, neuro-symbolic AI, reinforcement learning, physics informed neural networks, probabilistic reasoning, uncertainty quantification and machine learning.
• Lead developing IP and capabilities for Digital Catapult in cutting-edge AI technologies through your technical work.
• Lead developing partnership with academia and industry to act as a bridge between early TRL research and industrial application in collaboration with the R&D team at Digital Catapult.
• Lead development of industrial R&D proposals for funding bodies such as Innovate UK, EPSRC, ARIA and Horizon Europe in collaboration with the R&D team at Digital Catapult.
• Be a key contributor to the development and execution of the AAIT Digital Catapult AI research strategy, contributing to the AI Technology Roadmap and Radar; own and define a research area and research plan for their area of expertise, working with and aligning with other parts of Digital Catapult who contribute to the research plan.
• Participate in open innovation activities as an AI/ML expert, consulting with startups and corporates, including detailed technical consulting at times.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Experience)

• PhD in AI/ML or AI or related field, and demonstrated ability to carry out research at that level (particularly in agentic AI, neuro-symbolic AI, reinforcement learning and machine learning, physics informed neural networks, probabilistic reasoning, uncertainty quantification and machine learning).
• Experience delivering complex AI/ML projects in industry.
• Strong leadership, analytical and communication skills with a passion for AI technology, methods and algorithms.
• Experience in presenting research and outstanding presenter and communicator to a wider range of business, technical and political audiences with ability to present complex issues in a simple way.
• Broad technical architecture and hands-on experience with key technologies in machine learning, deep learning, data science; in terms of algorithms, software tools and hardware.
• Proactive and self-confident, adaptable and able to cope with ambiguity, changing and evolving priorities whilst being able to identify new opportunities, with a highly collaborative working style.

Location(s): This role can be based out of any of our offices: London, Belfast and Bristol.

Salary: c. £80,000-90,000 pa (subject to experience) + discretionary bonus + competitive benefits package.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated. As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer. We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations. Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.

Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year; Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary; Discretionary company bonus 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension; E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal; Life insurance 4x salary; Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice; Enhanced maternity and paternity leave; Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work; Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us; Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!

We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared. We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness. We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.