AI Scientist / Software Developer

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Glasgow, Cambridge, Teddington; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) seeks an AI Scientist/AI Software Developer to develop and evaluate ML models and put robust AI testing workflows in place. You will contribute to data preprocessing, feature engineering, and applying scalable AI software practices.

You will collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, publish technical work, and explore digital products built on research outcomes, with clearance requirements guiding mobility and access.

Qualifications

• Degrees in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, or a related field
• Deep understanding of machine learning concepts and algorithms
• Understanding of statistics and data analysis
• Programming experience in Python (preferred) or similar languages
• Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
• Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and software development practices
• Experience with version control (e.g., Git) and collaborative development
• Experience in using computing environments
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn
• Familiarity with MLOps tools (e.g. MLflow, Weights & Biases)
• Exposure to natural language processing (LLMs, agents), computer vision, or reinforcement learning

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement machine learning and AI models
• Develop test and evaluation protocols on ML/AI models
• Assist in data pre-processing, feature engineering, and exploratory data analysis
• Contribute to building scalable and maintainable AI software systems
• Debug, test, and improve existing models and codebases
• Document workflows, models, and results clearly

Skills

Python programming

ML concepts

Statistics & data analysis

Problem solving

Collaboration

Learning agility

Education

Degree in CS/AI/Data Science

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

MLflow

Weights & Biases

Job description

At NPL, we are looking for an experienced AI scientist or software developer with a real passion for tackling some of the biggest challenges in developing the measurement science needed to test, evaluate, and assure the quality and trustworthiness of AI systems to join the Data Science & AI department. As a Higher Scientist, you'll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research, build our capability and provide impact to our clients through project delivery.

The work conducted within the Data science & AI department responds national challenges in areas of prosperity (e.g. advanced manufacturing), security and resilience, environment, and health. Our AI Programme contributes to the UK government commitment to support the AI assurance ecosystem to increase trust and adoption of AI. In this role, you will contribute to projects developing and applying methods for AI assurance, helping to build confidence in the safety, reliability and trustworthiness of AI systems. Through a combination of practical and theoretical learning, you will gain experience aligned with the UK's vision for trustworthy and responsible AI innovation, becoming a technical authority for building confidence in the trustworthy use of AI.

As a Higher Scientist, you will collaborate with a variety of teams, both internal and external to NPL, within academic, industrial and governmental sectors, and at national and international levels. You will be expected to use logical thinking skills for designing and following a work plan, along with developing technical documents including scientific publications. Additionally, you will contribute to project idea generation, bidding support and consideration of digital products and services that could be built upon your research.

The role can be based at either of our Glasgow or Cambridge hub offices, or at our main Teddington (London) site, with occasional travel required between these three sites. Additional opportunities to travel both nationally and internationally will become available as part of your role in delivery projects, collaborating with partners, and through conference attendance.

About You

We are looking for an AI Scientist / AI Software Developer to support the development and deployment of test and evaluation processes for artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions. This role is ideal for those with experience in developing or testing AI/ML applications and is looking to build their skillset, working closely with senior researchers and engineers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement machine learning and AI models
• Develop test and evaluation protocols on ML/AI models
• Assist in data pre-processing, feature engineering, and exploratory data analysis
• Contribute to building scalable and maintainable AI software systems
• Debug, test, and improve existing models and codebases
• Document workflows, models, and results clearly

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Degrees in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, or a related field
• Deep understanding of machine learning concepts and algorithms
• Understanding of statistics and data analysis
• Programming experience in Python (preferred) or similar languages
• Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
• Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and software development practices
• Experience with version control (e.g., Git) and collaborative development
• Experience in using computing environments
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn
• Familiarity with MLOps tools (e.g. MLflow, Weights & Biases)
• Exposure to natural language processing (LLMs, agents), computer vision, or reinforcement learning

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

However, to work in this role in the Data Science & AI department, you will need to have a current SC clearance, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.