Principal Data Science and Machine Learning Researcher

Searchability; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 74,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology organisation in Greater Manchester is seeking a Principal Data Science & Machine Learning Researcher to provide strategic leadership and direction across data science initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in R&D, proven project leadership skills, and active security clearance. This role offers a competitive salary package, including a tiered clearance bonus, and the opportunity to shape the future of research in an innovative environment. Hybrid working is available dependent on project needs.

Benefits

Tiered clearance bonus

Leadership role in R&D function

Opportunity to shape strategy

Flexibility in working arrangements

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and strategic leadership across research initiatives.
• Act as first point of contact for external stakeholders.
• Guide project selection and direction.
• Mentor team members and shape long-term research roadmap.

Skills

Data Science

Machine Learning

R&D Leadership

Customer Engagement

Strategic Mindset

Algorithms

Secure Environments

Job description

• Up to £80k DoE plus package
• Manchester 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

TO BE CONSIDERED:

Please either apply through this advert or email me directly via [e-mail]. For further information, please call me on 07719 065951. By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only.

KEY SKILLS:

• Principal Data Scientist
• Machine Learning
• Research and Development
• R&D Leadership
• Strategy
• Customer Engagement
• Algorithms
• Secure Environments