Lead Data Scientist - AI/ML

Senior Research Scientist – Data Science & Machine Learning

Location:South East UK (Hybrid: typically 2 days onsite in Great Baddow)

Clearance:SC clearable (UK EYES ONLY) – DV/UKIC eligibility highly desirable

Work Pattern:Full-time (37 hours/week) | Hybrid | Flexible

Interview Process:One-stage, face-to-face with technical presentation

Are you an experienced AI/ML researcher with a passion for applying cutting-edge techniques to real-world, high-impact challenges? Do you thrive in intellectually rigorous, collaborative environments where your research leads to operational outcomes?

We’re hiring aSenior Research Scientistto join a leading R&D team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomy, and signal processing. This role sits within a growing capability focused on time-series data, decision support systems, and autonomous platforms—and offers an ideal mix of technical leadership, creative freedom, and real-world application.

About the Team

You’ll be part of theInformation Technology & Geospatial (ITG)team—a 35-person unit of scientists and product engineers working across:

• Machine Learning & Statistical Signal Processing
• NLP, Knowledge Representation, & Graph ML
• Geospatial Technology & Distributed Systems
• Autonomy, Reinforcement Learning, & Edge AI

The team operates within a largerAdvanced Technology division, known for pioneering next-generation AI/ML capabilities for high-trust domains such as defence, space, and cyber.

What You’ll Do

• Lead applied research in AI/ML, with a focus on sequential data and complex decision-making
• Develop novel algorithms and prototypes in Python using frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team-wide technical strategy
• Deliver technical reports, presentations, and research proposals to internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with top UK universities and other partners on forward-leaning research
• Translate academic thinking into robust, real-world solutions
• Author technical publications and contribute to patents where appropriate

What You’ll Bring

• PhD or equivalent experience in machine learning, applied maths, or related discipline
• Deep understanding of ML/AI applied to time-series/sensor data or decision systems
• Strong software prototyping skills, especially in Python and major ML frameworks
• Track record of technical leadership and research delivery
• Ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences alike
• Eligible for UK SC clearance as a minimum (UK EYES ONLY)

Bonus Experience (Highly Desirable):

• Radar, sonar, RF, or electromagnetic signal processing
• Electronic warfare, CEMA, or distributed sensing
• Space-domain awareness, autonomous systems, or edge ML
• NLP, knowledge graphs, generative AI or graph-based ML
• Academic publications, patent applications, or conference experience

Why This Role?

• Join one of the UK’s most forward-looking AI/ML research teams
• Work across multiple high-impact domains: defence, space, cyber, and more
• Shape the future of autonomous systems and decision intelligence
• Excellent work-life balance: hybrid working, flexible hours, minimal travel
• One-stage interview process—streamlined and efficient
• Collaborate with a world-class technical community of 4,500+ scientists and engineers

If you’re a creative, technically strong researcher who wants to lead meaningful innovation—this role offers the autonomy, support, and opportunity to do just that.

Apply now to learn more.