AI Scientist (KTP Associate)

About the Role

The University of West London (UWL), in partnership with B4 Secure Limited, is seeking an AI Scientist (KTP Associate) to deliver an exciting new Innovate UK-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). This interdisciplinary and technically advanced project requires a highly capable individual with strong theoretical grounding in Artificial Intelligence, computer science, or a related discipline. Prior industrial experience is not required.

Working primarily remotely, the KTP Associate will lead the design and implementation of an AI‑driven threat intelligence software system that automates Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) threat monitoring and risk assessment. The project aims to transform the business partner’s currently manual workflows into an efficient, scalable, adaptive, and ethically aligned AI platform that enhances operational performance and supports sustainable business growth.

This role offers an outstanding career‑development opportunity to manage a high‑impact KTP project while being fully supported by an experienced team of academic and industry experts in AI, data science, cyber security, threat intelligence and ethical AI.

There is strong potential for the successful candidate to transition into a permanent role within B4 Secure, becoming a key member of the team, subject to performance and business needs

This is a primarily remote role; however, the successful candidate will be expected to attend in-person meetings in London for project collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Applicants should be located within a reasonable commuting distance to facilitate attendance when needed Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

This post is fixed‑term for 24 months. The salary for the Associate is set to £40,834 p.a., aligned with market rates for Graduate AI Scientist/Engineer remote working roles in London.

Responsibilities

Working closely with the business partner supervisors at B4 Secure and supported by the UWL academic team, the KTP Associate will lead the design and implementation of an AI‑driven threat intelligence software system that automates OSINT threat monitoring and risk assessment. The key duties and responsibilities of the KTP Associate include:

Technical research and development

• Investigate state‑of‑the‑art agentic AI (e.g., agent‑based architectures, NLP, data‑driven decision systems) and translate findings into robust system designs; apply advanced Python programming for prototyping and production‑quality system.

• Design and implement an Agentic‑AI system to autonomously identify, analyse and contextualise threats across surface, deep, and dark‑web sources.

• Ensure that all technical development aligns with commercial objectives and client needs, maintaining a focus on delivering practical, high-value outcomes

Responsible and ethical AI

• Embed explainability, bias mitigation, transparency and trust into the system’s design and evaluation, working with academic experts to operationalise ethical requirements.

Testing and commercial readiness

• Plan and execute system functionality/performance testing and commercial‑viability assessments; define metrics, evaluate results and iterate features accordingly

• Prepare and deliver client demonstrations, capture structured feedback, assess usability/user experience, and prioritise improvements that strengthen product‑market fit

Adoption, training and stakeholder engagement

• Introduce AI‑driven automation into existing workflows; address resistance to change, build trust in AI outputs and ensure smooth adoption through stakeholder training and engagement

• Maintain effective relationships with business, academic and external stakeholders (including pilot users) throughout the project lifecycle

Project and risk management

• Manage tasks, timelines and deliverables in line with the project workplan; coordinate regular supervision (weekly engagement with the business and academic supervision) and lead monthly project progress meetings

• Identify and manage risks associated with emerging technologies and evolving requirements, adapting plans while staying focused on project objectives

Knowledge transfer, documentation and academic outputs

• Produce clear technical documentation (architecture, pipelines, SOPs) and maintain repositories to embed capability within B4 Secure beyond the project’s lifetime

• Prepare technical/analytical reports and contribute to planned joint academic publications and presentations

Working practices and stakeholder engagement

• Operate effectively in a remote-first environment, managing time, priorities, and outputs with a high degree of autonomy

• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including clients

• Engage professionally with clients during demonstrations, feedback sessions, and product development activities

• Collaborate effectively with academic and business teams to ensure successful project delivery

• To work in accordance with UWL’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies.

In addition to the above areas of responsibility the post-holder may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties relating to the broad scope of the position, commensurate with the post, and in support of the University.

Requirements

The key requirements of the post in terms of knowledge, skills and experience:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science or a related discipline is strongly preferred.

• Strong AI/ML foundation with emphasis on agentic AI, NLP, and data‑driven decision systems; ability to translate research into working software system.

• Advanced Python for AI software development (design, prototyping and implementation of core components).

• Understanding of OSINT data pipelines (surface, deep and dark web) and how to integrate outputs into client risk registers and impact models.

• Ability to embed responsible/ethical AI (explainability, bias mitigation, transparency) in system design and evaluation.

• Familiarity with deploying AI systems in cloud environments and working with relevant APIs.

• Exposure to cyber security, cyber‑threat intelligence and risk governance concepts.

• Contribution to academic publications/presentations or equivalent knowledge‑transfer activity.

The general skills requires include

• Excellent written and spoken communication in English; able to engage technical and non‑technical stakeholders (including client demos/feedback).

• Operate effectively in a remote-first environment, managing time, priorities, and outputs with a high degree of autonomy

• Strong organisational skills with the drive to deliver milestones, operate remote‑first, and manage risk under uncertainty.

• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships across the business partner, academics and external pilot users

• Ability to engage confidently in client-facing interactions.

• Ability to obtain and maintain UK security clearance (e.g. BPSS/SC level) is required for this role. Candidates must be willing to undertake enhanced screening and vetting checks.

Benefits

The KTP Associate will be self‑organised, proactive, and comfortable prioritising work in a remote‑first setting, with the opportunity to drive real innovation in AI‑enabled threat intelligence. In return, the Associate will receive the following benefits:

• £2,000 personal training & development budget (in addition to salary) to support your professional growth and skills development.

• Regular engagement with the Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Adviser and structured support from the KTP programme.

• Multi‑disciplinary supervision and mentoring from UWL academics and the business partner.

• Exposure to diverse stakeholders and real‑world users, including client pilots and demonstrations, providing commercial and product‑development experience.

• Access to the expertise and resources of UWL and B4 Secure needed to deliver the project effectively, plus clear pathways to contribute to joint publications