AI & Machine Learning, Principal

Ofcom; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Job summary

Ofcom is seeking a Principal AI & Machine Learning Technologist to lead its technical thinking on AI and online safety. The role shapes governance, assurance and model evaluation across major programmes, influencing policy, supervision and regulatory decisions.

You will mentor teams, build capability, and represent Ofcom with industry, academia and regulators while delivering robust, evidence-based recommendations.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Computer Science or a related discipline is required or demonstrated equivalent expertise.
• Strong understanding of AI governance, risk management, and model evaluation methodologies.
• Experience assessing AI systems for fairness, safety and societal impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead major AI/ML work programmes, setting direction and aligning delivery with organisational priorities.
• Provide senior technical advice with clear, proportionate recommendations to leaders.
• Oversee governance, testing methods and evidence evaluation for AI systems.

Skills

Responsible AI

AI assurance

Model evaluation

Generative AI

Agentic AI

Recommender systems

Online safety

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Please note this role will close at 00.01 on Tuesday 20 October so we advise making your application by midnight on Monday 19 October.

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 and builds Ofcom’s technical understanding of technologies fundamental to online safety. This includes artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital identity, privacy-enhancing technologies, decentralisation, user experience, gaming, network infrastructure and digital forensics.

The team provides independent technical expertise and advice to policy, supervision and enforcement colleagues across the Online Safety Group and wider Ofcom. It works across disciplines to test assumptions, evaluate evidence, anticipate emerging risks and translate complex technologies into practical regulatory insight.

The purpose and scope of the role

We are looking for a technically authoritative and strategically minded Principal AI & Machine Learning Technologist to lead Ofcom’s technical thinking on AI and machine learning as they relate to online safety.

The postholder will set direction for major programmes of technical work, act as a principal adviser to senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams, and lead the assessment of AI systems used by regulated services. They will turn complex and sometimes incomplete evidence into clear, proportionate and technically robust advice that supports policy development, supervision, enforcement and regulatory decision-making.

The role will shape Ofcom’s longer‑term approach to AI governance, Responsible AI and AI assurance; build organisational capability through leadership, mentoring and knowledge sharing; and represent Ofcom credibly with industry, academia, government, standards bodies and international regulators.

Important information about the role

This role may require the postholder to view, assess or discuss harmful, distressing or otherwise sensitive online content, material and themes in the course of technical research, evidence assessment or regulatory work. Ofcom seeks to minimise unnecessary exposure and provides safeguards and support for colleagues undertaking this work.

Your Key Responsibilities

Strategic Technical Leadership and Regulatory Advice

Lead major AI and machine learning work programmes, setting direction and aligning delivery with Online Safety and wider organisational priorities.

Act as a trusted technical adviser, translating complex evidence into clear, proportionate recommendations for senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams.

Apply sound judgement under uncertainty, identifying key risks, challenging assumptions and advising on practical ways forward.

AI Governance, Assurance and Technical Assessment

Lead the assessment of AI systems, models and technical evidence, evaluating effectiveness, robustness, fairness, transparency, safety and accountability.

Shape approaches to AI governance, Responsible AI, AI assurance and model evaluation, drawing on relevant research, standards and industry practice.

Oversee evaluation methods, testing approaches and technical tools, ensuring evidence is interpreted appropriately and limitations are understood.

Research, Horizon Scanning and Strategic Delivery

Lead technical research, horizon scanning and analysis of emerging AI capabilities, risks and regulatory challenges.

Produce high-quality technical papers, briefings and recommendations that inform policy, strategy and regulatory decision-making.

Drive delivery across complex work programmes, managing priorities, risks and resources in a changing environment.

External Engagement and Influence

Represent Ofcom in technical forums and engagements with industry, government, academia, standards bodies and regulators.

Build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders through clear communication, credible expertise and evidence-based arguments.

Contribute thought leadership on AI governance, assurance, transparency, safety and the responsible use of AI.

Leadership and Capability Building

Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams through coaching, mentoring, feedback and knowledge sharing.

Build capability across the organisation, promoting effective collaboration, continuous learning and inclusive ways of working.

Create accountability for delivery while empowering colleagues to contribute their expertise and achieve shared outcomes.

The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

AI and Machine Learning expertise

• Deep expertise in AI and machine learning, with substantial knowledge in one or more relevant areas such as Responsible AI, AI assurance, model evaluation, generative AI, agentic AI, recommender systems, automated content classification or online trust and safety.
• Strong understanding of AI governance and risk-management frameworks, model evaluation methodologies and the strengths and limitations of common technical evidence.
• Experience assessing AI systems for effectiveness, fairness, robustness, transparency, accountability, safety and societal impact.
• Executing Plans: A track record of independently setting direction and leading significant technical projects, programmes or work areas in complex environments. Sound judgement under uncertainty, including the ability to identify the critical question, weigh evidence, manage risk and recommend a proportionate way forward.
• Channelling Influence: Influences senior stakeholders and decision‑makers through credible expertise, strong reasoning and persuasive communication, shaping priorities and enabling effective delivery across multidisciplinary teams
• Empowering Development: Evidence of developing others through coaching, mentoring, feedback and knowledge sharing, while creating inclusive and accountable ways of working.
• Building Solutions: Applies sound judgement in uncertain situations, identifying the critical issues, weighing evidence, assessing risks and developing proportionate, evidence‑based recommendations. Demonstrable ability to lead rigorous technical research and produce clear, evidence‑based analysis and recommendations for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Forming Relationship: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to position complex arguments, explain uncertainty and move diverse stakeholders towards a decision. Experience representing an organisation externally and building effective relationships with government, regulators, industry, academia, civil society or standards organisations.Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively, invite challenge and diversity of thought, and maintain independence and impartiality.

Qualifications

A PhD, MSc or equivalent in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence or a related discipline. Candidates with equivalent demonstrable expertise, leadership experience and specialist knowledge will also be considere.

Inclusive hiring at Ofcom

At Ofcom, our mission is clear: to make communications work for everyone. To achieve that, our people must reflect the diversity of the UK, in background, identity and experience.

We believe innovation thrives when difference is valued and everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives. That’s why we welcome colleagues of all ethnicities and races, sexes, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, faiths and beliefs, and those with apparent and non‑apparent disabilities. We value socio‑economic diversity, life experience and neurodiversity too. Whether you’re a carer, a parent, a veteran, or re‑entering work after time away, your voice and perspective matter here.

Flexibility is at the heart of how we work because we want you to thrive in a way that suits you best. Most roles can therefore be adapted for part‑time hours, job shares, or other flexible arrangements. Learn more about our Rewards, Benefits and Wellbeing on our careers page.

Our recruitment process is intentionally designed to be open and accessible. If you need adjustments, information in a different format or an alternative way to apply, contact us at [e-mail] or 0330 912 1378.

As a proud Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role. You can read more about this commitment here.

Whoever you are, whatever your story, you belong at Ofcom.