Principal Data Science and Machine Learning Researcher

Searchability NS&D; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tiered clearance bonus

Funded R&D projects and internal seed

Clear technical growth and progression

Supportive, collaborative team

Job summary

Searchability NS&D is seeking a Principal Data Science & ML Researcher to drive research-led development in a secure, mission-focused environment. You will navigate short exploratory tasks and long-term R&D programs, shaping project direction and translating customer needs into technical solutions that advance model development and deployment.

You will operate in a high-ambiguity setting, collaborating with stakeholders to define what to work on next while advancing innovative approaches in data

Qualifications

• Strong background in data science and machine learning research.
• Experience prototyping novel algorithms or approaches.
• Ability to translate research concepts into practical applications.
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders to understand customer needs.
• Active SC clearance and eDV eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead research-led development across short exploratory tasks and long-term R&D initiatives.
• Shape project directions and translate customer needs into technical solutions.
• Build innovative models and approaches for delivery and impact.

Skills

Data Science

Machine Learning

R&D

Algorithms

Stakeholder Engagement

SC/eDV clearance

Tools

Python

Job description

• Manchester location – circa 3 days on site
• Active SC and eDV eligibility required
• High-impact R&D role with strong funding and long-term growth

ABOUT THE CLIENT

Our client is a highly specialised technology organisation operating in a secure, mission-focused environment within the National Security sector. Working as part of a small, well-funded research group within a growing area of the business, this team delivers innovative data science and machine learning solutions to complex customer problems.

THE BENEFITS:

• Tiered clearance bonus
• Funded R&D projects and internal seed investment
• Clear technical growth and progression opportunities
• Supportive, collaborative team environment

THE PRINCIPAL DATA SCIENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING RESEARCHER ROLE:

As a Principal Data Science & Machine Learning Researcher, you will focus on research-led development, working across short exploratory tasks and longer-term R&D initiatives. You will help shape project direction, translate customer needs into technical solutions, and build innovative models and approaches that can be taken forward into delivery. This role suits someone comfortable working at a higher level of ambiguity, with the freedom to define what should be worked on next.

PRINCIPAL DATA SCIENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING RESEARCHER ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Strong background in data science and machine learning research
• Experience developing and prototyping novel algorithms or approaches
• Ability to take research concepts through to practical application
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders to understand customer needs
• Active SC clearance and eDV eligibility

KEY SKILLS

Data Science, Machine Learning, Research and Development, Algorithms, Python, Stakeholder Engagement