Principal Data Science and Machine Learning Researcher

Searchability; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tiered clearance bonus

Leadership role in R&D

Shape strategy

Hybrid/flexible working

Job summary

Searchability is seeking a Principal Data Science & Machine Learning Researcher to provide technical leadership across multiple R&D programmes. You will mentor the team, shape the long-term research roadmap, and engage external stakeholders as the primary technical contact. Hybrid work with on-site London sessions and broad strategic impact on mission-focused projects.

You will combine hands-on ML expertise with a strategic mindset to steer high-impact research directions and portfolio choices.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in data science and ML 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 multiple data science and ML research initiatives.
• Mentor team members and shape long-term research roadmap.
• Act as the first point of contact for external stakeholders and guide project direction.
• Lead hands-on technical input where required and contribute to portfolio leadership.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Job description

• Up to £80k DoE plus package
• London 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