At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI/ML projects to enhance online safety and provide expert guidance on technology.
- Company: Ofcom is the UK's communications regulator, ensuring safe and effective communication for everyone.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team shaping the future of online safety with cutting-edge AI technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or science; expertise in AI/ML and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Open to diverse backgrounds and flexible arrangements; we value inclusivity and accessibility.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Please note that this advert will close at 00:01 on Thursday 3 July and therefore we advise getting your application in no later than midnight on Wednesday 2 July.
About Ofcom
As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. We’re also taking on the challenge of making the online world a safer place. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.
About the team you’ll be part of
The Online Safety Technology team conducts research to build knowledge and understanding in subject areas fundamental to online safety. This includes, for example, AI and machine learning, digital identity, privacy enhancing technologies, decentralisation, user experience, gaming, network infrastructure, and digital forensics. The team provides technical expertise to policy, supervision and enforcement colleagues in the wider Online Safety Group, and others in Ofcom, during policy development processes and industry engagement activities.
The purpose and scope of the role
We are looking for a technically strong and strategically minded Senior AI/ML Technology Advisor to provide expert guidance on the technical aspects of artificial intelligence and machine learning as they relate to online safety. The successful candidate will play a leading role within the Online Safety Technology team to help design and deliver a programme of work that will develop and share fundamental understanding of the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies that underpin online services to help meet Ofcom's Online Safety objectives. This position is ideal for candidates with deep technical expertise and a passion for applying AI responsibly in complex socio-technical environments.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Technical Advisory & Policy Support
- Provide expert guidance on AI/ML technologies to policy, supervision and enforcement teams.
- Advise on the technical feasibility and risks of proposed regulatory interventions.
- Translate complex AI concepts into actionable recommendations for senior leaders, policy experts, and external stakeholders.
- AI/ML Research
- Independently lead AI/ML research projects—ranging from literature reviews of publishable standard to experimental studies — on new capabilities, system performance, safety, and effectiveness, often in collaboration with multidisciplinary internal teams (e.g., lawyers, economists, data scientists).
- Explore novel and emerging AI/ML techniques that may impact online safety, such as Generative AI, Agentic AI, or multimodal models.
- Design demos that illustrate advances in capabilities across AI models and convey the pace of progress in the field to help non-technical audiences understand how AI models function.
- Develop an evidence base to inform policy decisions and support regulatory innovation.
- Evaluation of AI Systems
- Assess AI systems used in online services for accuracy, fairness, transparency, robustness, scalability, and societal impact.
- Evaluate models and tools to determine the technical feasibility and appropriateness for online trust and safety environments.
- Contribute to algorithmic audits and the development of standards for Responsible AI.
- Technical Communication & Engagement
- Prepare and present technical briefings, white papers, and demos to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Host internal knowledge-sharing sessions and represent Ofcom in external technical working groups and conferences.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to influence regulatory thinking and promote responsible AI practices.
- Horizon Scanning
- Monitor the AI research and technology landscape to identify emerging trends and anticipate regulatory challenges.
- Contribute thought leadership to ongoing debates around AI ethics, transparency, and accountability in online services.
- Maintain strong relationships with academia, industry, and public bodies to strengthen external research partnerships.
The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success
To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:
- Practical and theoretical expertise in one or more AI/ML areas such as Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Reinforcement Learning, Agentic AI, Multimodal Models, Generative AI, Responsible AI, and Algorithmic Auditing.
- Knowledge of assessment techniques to evaluate AI systems for effectiveness, scalability, fairness, safety, robustness, and societal impact.
- Familiarity with programming languages commonly used in AI/ML (e.g., Python) and relevant frameworks and tools.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and produce documentation.
- Experience working in a technical advisory role, with a focus on AI/ML or online safety is desirable.
- Articulating Ideas: The ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences, including internal and external stakeholders, consumers, and policy areas.
- Harmonising work: The ability to work across organisational boundaries in multi-disciplinary project teams of policy professionals, technologists, data specialists and lawyers to understand requirements and their mapping to technical specifications and delivering business outcomes.
- Forming relationships: Strong interpersonal skills and evidence of an ability to interact effectively with, and influence, a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Scanning Horizons: The ability to take a strategic view by identifying emerging trends, risks, and opportunities, and aligning decisions and actions with long-term goals to inform effective policy and delivery outcomes.
Qualifications
Educated to at least degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or science subject but candidates with evidence of equivalent demonstrable skills and experience in required specialist knowledge areas will also be considered.
Inclusivity Statement
Ofcom has a clear mission: to make communications work for everyone. To be able to deliver on this, we want our organisation to reflect the diversity of background, experience, upbringing and thought that exists across the UK. We aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – no matter your social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or disability. Where positions are listed as full-time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares, and other flexible working options. From day one, we champion flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual needs. We also warmly welcome applicants who are returning to the workforce after a break – for whatever reason. If you have taken time away and are ready to rejoin, we look forward to reviewing your application. Our recruitment processes prioritise accessibility and inclusivity. If you need adjustments, information in an alternative format, or prefer to apply in a different way, please contact us at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or call 0330 912 1378.
Senior AI/ML Technology Advisor employer: Ofcom
Contact Detail:
Ofcom Recruiting Team
resourcing@ofcom.org.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior AI/ML Technology Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Ofcom's mission and the specific challenges they face in online safety. Understanding their objectives will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your expertise in AI/ML can directly contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current trends in AI and machine learning, especially those related to online safety. Being able to discuss recent advancements or case studies during interviews will showcase your passion and knowledge in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the AI/ML and online safety sectors. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or stakeholders from Ofcom, which could give you insights into their work culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to articulate complex AI concepts in simple terms. Since the role involves communicating with non-technical audiences, practice explaining your past projects or research in a way that is accessible and engaging for everyone.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior AI/ML Technology Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior AI/ML Technology Advisor position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of Ofcom.
Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your technical expertise in AI/ML, relevant projects, and any experience in online safety. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure it is well-structured to make it easy for the hiring team to read.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for AI and online safety. Provide specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights, as this is crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential for a technical advisory role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofcom
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Senior AI/ML Technology Advisor role. Familiarise yourself with the specific AI/ML technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Natural Language Processing and Generative AI, so you can discuss them confidently during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked technical questions related to AI/ML systems and their evaluation. Brush up on your knowledge of assessment techniques for AI systems, including fairness, transparency, and robustness, as well as programming languages like Python that are commonly used in the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves translating complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences, practice explaining your past projects or experiences in a clear and concise manner. Be ready to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated technical information to diverse stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
The position requires a strategic view of emerging trends and risks in AI/ML. Prepare examples of how you've identified opportunities or challenges in previous roles and how you aligned your actions with long-term goals. This will show your ability to contribute to Ofcom's mission effectively.