Senior Cyber Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialist

Dstl; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specialist allowance (£2,758) annually

Skills allowances available

Job summary

Dstl is seeking a Senior Cyber AI Specialist to join a multidisciplinary team delivering innovative AI solutions for national security. You will apply advanced techniques to develop novel AI capabilities, lead technical work across projects, and mentor colleagues while collaborating with government, industry and academia.

You will work with cutting-edge AI technologies, evaluate model performance and robustness, and shape future research directions to strengthen the UK's cyber mission.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of AI and ML concepts including neural networks, deep learning and large language models.
• Experience applying mathematical and analytical techniques to develop, evaluate or improve AI/ML solutions.
• Strong Python software development skills and experience with ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Experience solving complex technical challenges in engineering, science, technology or cyber-related environments.
• Experience leading or influencing technical work within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills, with ability to explain complex topics to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience coaching, supporting or developing colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and evaluate innovative AI and ML solutions for complex cyber challenges.
• Apply Python to develop and assess AI techniques including deep learning and RL.
• Investigate emerging AI technologies, threats and opportunities for practical applications.
• Analyse model behaviour, performance and explainability using mathematical approaches.
• Develop AI testing, evaluation, assurance and validation for trustworthy outcomes.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality outputs.
• Communicate complex concepts to varied audiences via reports and briefings.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor colleagues to grow AI capability.
• Manage technical risks and support project delivery.

Skills

AI/ML concepts

Mathematical analysis

Python development

Reinforcement learning

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Technical leadership

Effective communication

Coaching/mentoring

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

Are you passionate about applying Artificial Intelligence to solve some of the most complex cyber challenges facing the UK?

We are looking for a Senior Cyber AI Specialist to join a multidisciplinary team delivering innovative AI solutions in support of national security. Working at the forefront of cyber research and development, you will apply advanced mathematical, analytical and software engineering techniques to develop novel AI capabilities, explore emerging technologies and provide technical leadership across a range of challenging projects.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies including large language models, deep learning and reinforcement learning, helping to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions that deliver real-world impact. You will investigate emerging threats and opportunities within AI, evaluate the performance and robustness of models, and contribute to the development of trusted and assured AI capabilities.

As a senior specialist, you will work closely with scientists, engineers and technical stakeholders across government, industry and academia. Alongside your technical contribution, you will help shape future research direction, support the development of colleagues and provide authoritative technical advice that influences decision-making and programme outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who combines strong technical expertise with curiosity, creativity and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the UK's cyber and national security mission.

This role is eligible for an additional specialist allowance of £2758 annually subject to meeting extended onboarding requirements. The role may be eligible for additional skills allowances depending on the skills and experience of the applicant.

What you'll do;

• Design, develop and evaluate innovative AI and machine learning solutions to address complex cyber challenges.
• Apply advanced Python software development skills to develop and assess AI techniques including deep learning, reinforcement learning and large language models.
• Investigate emerging AI technologies, threats and opportunities, identifying practical applications and future research areas.
• Analyse and interpret model behaviour, performance, explainability and limitations using mathematical and analytical approaches.
• Develop approaches to AI testing, evaluation, assurance and validation to support robust and trustworthy outcomes.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality technical outputs and research outcomes.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences through reports, presentations and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor colleagues and help grow AI capability across the organisation.
• Manage technical risks, contribute to strategic decision-making and support the successful delivery of projects and programmes.

What we're looking for

• Strong understanding of AI and machine learning concepts, including neural networks, deep learning, reinforcement learning and large language models.
• Experience applying mathematical and analytical techniques to develop, evaluate or improve AI and machine learning solutions.
• Strong Python software development skills and experience working with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Experience solving complex technical challenges in engineering, science, technology or cyber-related environments.
• Experience leading or influencing technical work within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical topics clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience coaching, supporting or developing colleagues.