Principal Data Scientist and Machine Learning Researcher

Salary: £43,000 - 72,000 per year

Requirements

• We require a degree (BSc or above) in Data Science, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related discipline.
• We require strong Python development experience, including machine learning frameworks such as Hugging Face, TensorFlow and PyTorch.
• We require proven experience delivering machine learning solutions within commercial, research or government environments.
• We require a strong understanding of modern AI/ML techniques across Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision.
• We require experience training, fine‑tuning and evaluating machine learning and AI models.
• We require the ability to undertake technical research and apply findings to real‑world challenges.
• We require experience producing high‑quality technical documentation, reports or research publications.
• We require previous experience mentoring team members and providing technical leadership.
• We require an active eDV (enhanced DV) UK Security Clearance.
• We prefer an MSc or PhD with a strong research background.
• We prefer experience developing and maintaining robust ML pipelines and MLOps practices.
• We prefer familiarity with version control, containerisation and environment management tools, including Git and Docker.
• We prefer experience working within Linux environments and using command‑line tooling.
• We prefer experience deploying and scaling AI/ML solutions into production environments.
• We prefer cloud platform experience, ideally AWS, although Azure or GCP experience is also valuable.
• We prefer published research in peer‑reviewed journals or conferences.
• We prefer experience writing technical proposals, bids or research funding submissions.

Responsibilities

• We design, develop and deliver complex machine learning and data science solutions with a high degree of autonomy.
• We lead technical investigations, research activities and AI/ML development across customer and internal projects.
• We identify innovative approaches to solving complex technical challenges and contribute to future research directions.
• We provide technical leadership within project teams and support successful project delivery.
• We collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders and customers to define requirements and develop effective technical solutions.
• We mentor and support junior team members, helping to develop technical capability across the wider team.
• We communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Technologies

• AI
• AWS
• Azure
• Cloud
• Computer Vision
• Docker
• GCP
• Git
• Support
• Linux
• Machine Learning
• PyTorch
• Python
• Security
• TensorFlow

We are a leading National Security and Cyber organisation developing advanced AI and machine learning solutions that support critical national security missions. We work within a mature Agile environment and collaborate closely with customers, engineers, researchers and data scientists on complex real‑world challenges. This role can be based in Gloucester, Manchester or London, with hybrid working typically three days per week on site. We offer opportunities at Associate, Senior and Principal levels, a collaborative environment with experienced specialists, and strong opportunities for technical development, leadership and career progression. Our benefits include a competitive salary, eDV bonus on top of salary, annual bonus, company bonus scheme, contributory pension scheme with up to 10.5% company contribution, life assurance at six times salary, and 25 days holiday plus public holidays, with the option to buy and sell up to five days.