Principal Data Science and Machine Learning Researcher

Searchability; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tiered clearance bonus

Leadership role in growing R&D

Shape strategy and future research

High-impact ML projects

Hybrid/flexible working

Job summary

Searchability is seeking a Principal Data Science & Machine Learning Researcher to provide leadership across multiple R&D programmes within a secure environment. You will shape strategy, set direction, and act as the primary technical advisor to external stakeholders, while contributing hands-on when needed.

You will mentor the team, drive research roadmaps, and ensure delivery of high-impact, scalable ML solutions, reporting to senior leadership and influencing cross-functional

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in data science and machine learning R&D.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects or portfolios.
• Active SC clearance and eDV eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across multiple data science and ML research initiatives across programmes.
• Act as principal technical contact for external stakeholders and guide project direction.
• Mentor team members and help shape long-term research roadmap.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Project leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Education

Advanced degree in data science or ML

Job description

• Up to £80k DoE plus package
• Gloucester location – circa 3 days on site
• Active SC and eDV eligibility required
• Senior technical leadership role with strategic influence across multiple R&D programmes

ABOUT THE CLIENT:

Our client is a highly specialised technology organisation operating in a secure, mission-focused environment within the National Security sector. They operate a small, well-funded research group embedded in a rapidly expanding area of the business, with a strong focus on innovation and customer-driven R&D. As part of continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Principal Data Science & Machine Learning Researcher to provide leadership and strategic direction.

THE BENEFITS:

• Tiered clearance bonus
• Leadership role in a growing, well-funded R&D function
• Opportunity to shape strategy and future research direction
• Work on high-impact, technically challenging problems
• Hybrid/flexible working dependent on project needs

THE PRINCIPAL DATA SCIENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING RESEARCHER ROLE:

In this role, you will act as a technical and strategic leader across multiple data science and machine learning research initiatives. You will act as a first point of contact for external stakeholders, guide project selection and direction, and provide leadership across the team. Alongside hands‑on technical input where required, you will mentor others and help shape the long‑term research roadmap.

PRINCIPAL DATA SCIENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING RESEARCHER ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Extensive experience in data science and machine learning R&D
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects or portfolios
• Strong stakeholder and customer engagement experience
• Strategic mindset with the ability to guide research direction
• Active SC clearance and eDV eligibility