Research Associate for AI in Defence and Security

Ulster University; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Northern Ireland seeks a Research Associate in AI for Defence and Security. This role involves designing and validating AI systems that aid human decision-making in strategic contexts. The ideal candidate should hold a PhD or be near completion in a relevant discipline and have demonstrable experience in AI model development. This fixed-term position offers a competitive salary and an opportunity to work on a nationally significant research programme.

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion with thesis submitted in AI, Computer Science, Mathematics.
• Experience in developing and validating AI models.
• Evidence of data analysis in research or applied context.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate advanced AI systems for human decision-making.
• Define system requirements and develop a robust AI framework.
• Engage in collaborative system design with DSTL and defense stakeholders.

Skills

Artificial Intelligence expertise

Machine learning model validation

Data analysis

Education

PhD or near completion in a relevant discipline

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate for AI in Defence and Security
Department/School: School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems
Campus: Derry ~ Londonderry campus
Salary: £33,020 - £41,086 per annum
Duration: Fixed-term for 12 months / Full-time
Closing Date: 6th January 2026
Reference Number: 039688

About Us

We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation and technology and knowledge transfer.

The Role

The postholder will contribute to a major UKRI/EPSRC-funded collaborative research programme involving Ulster University, the University of Lincoln, and partner institutions at Cambridge, Oxford, Sheffield, Salford, and the Open University, working in close partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). Following the initial 12 months, the postholder may have the opportunity to continue this work at the University of Salford for a second year through a new recruitment process.

The purpose of the role is to design, develop, and validate advanced artificial intelligence systems that support human strategic reasoning and decision-making in complex, competitive environments. The postholder will play a pivotal role in defining system requirements and developing a robust AI framework to model and anticipate opponent behaviours and beliefs, leveraging state-of-the-art methods in machine learning and computational cognition. They will engage in collaborative system design with DSTL and defence stakeholders to ensure that research outputs are both scientifically rigorous and operationally relevant.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a researcher with expertise in artificial intelligence, computational modelling, or intelligent systems to contribute to a highly interdisciplinary, applied research programme of national significance.

We may create a 12-month waiting list for same or similar roles within the Department / Faculty. The University reserves the right to extend the waiting list across the University if required for certain posts.

About You

The postholder will be required to have:

• A PhD (or near completion with thesis submitted) in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience in developing, training, and validating AI or machine learning models for complex or dynamic systems.
• Evidence of data analysis and model evaluation in research or applied context.

Please find our employee benefits on our website.

Athena Swan Statement

The School of Computing, Engineering & Intelligent Systems holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing Gender equality. You can read more about what this means on our University website. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family-friendly working environment, including flexible working.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.