Senior Data Scientist - National Security (TIRE)

The Alan Turing Institute; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension 10% employer

Flexible hybrid working

Family friendly policies

Job summary

The Alan Turing Institute is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to join the TIRE team within Defence & National Security. You will work at the intersection of AI, data science, software engineering and national security, developing innovative capabilities that address the UK's challenges.

You will mentor colleagues and influence strategic decisions across the group. Eligibility for DV security clearance is essential, with current or recent DV clearance highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Experienced Data Scientist with a strong background in applying AI, ML, statistical methods and advanced analytical techniques.
• Able to communicate complex technical concepts to varied audiences including researchers and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent programming skills and experience handling data at scale across domains.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI/ML driven projects from concept to delivery in collaboration with researchers, engineers and national security partners.
• Shape new research areas, contribute to proposals and provide technical leadership across the team.
• Mentor colleagues, influence strategic decisions and represent the team externally.
• Document capabilities and processes to enable reuse across multiple domains.

Skills

AI & ML

Statistical methods

Data at scale

Programming skills

Job description

We're looking for a Senior Data Scientist to join our Turing Integrated Research Engineering (TIRE) team within Defence & National Security at The Alan Turing Institute. In this role, you'll work at the intersection of AI, data science, software engineering and national security, developing innovative capabilities that help address some of the UK's most pressing challenges.

Working as part of a highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary team, you'll contribute to technical projects from concept through to delivery, working closely with researchers, engineers and national security partners. You'll help shape new areas of research, contribute to proposal development and provide technical leadership across the team. The role also offers opportunities to mentor colleagues, influence strategic decision-making and represent TIRE both internally and externally.

ABOUT YOU

We're looking for an experienced Data Scientist with a strong background in applying AI, machine learning, statistical methods and advanced analytical techniques to complex real-world problems. You'll bring excellent programming skills, experience working with data at scale and a track record of delivering impactful technical solutions.

You enjoy collaborating across disciplines and can communicate complex technical concepts to a wide range of audiences, from fellow researchers to senior stakeholders. Whether your expertise sits in data science, machine learning, software engineering or applied research, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to create innovative solutions that support national security outcomes. Eligibility for DV security clearance is essential, with current or recent DV clearance highly desirable.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Understand the problems of the Turing's National Security partners and develop appropriate approaches to solving these problems.
• Take ownership of a particular domain challenge area or methodology for the group.
• Perform experiments and develop capabilities, which might include: training and deploying machine learning models; applying data science, statistical and algorithmic techniques to data; building and deploying microservices, data processing/engineering systems and platforms, user interfaces and/or visualisations.
• Work at pace, in a highly collaborative environment, using industry standard tooling for testing, version control and collaboration to create software artefacts that can be shared with Turing's partners.
• Present, disseminate and explain our work including: Documenting capabilities, processes, and systems for effective and efficient reuse across multiple domains.
• Provide technical leadership for research strands, ensuring successful outcomes aligned with the overall project goals.
• Line-manage other staff within the group, supporting their career development aspirations.

Closing date for applications

Sunday 04 October 2026 at 23:59 (London, UK BST)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early or to interview suitable candidates before the closing date if enough applications are received.

Terms and Conditions

This full-time post is offered on a permanent basis. The annual salary is £57,000-£62,000 plus an excellent benefits package including private medical insurance, 10% employer pension contribution, flexible hybrid working and family friendly policies - full details can be seen here.

Eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance is a requirement for this role. Eligibility criteria and further information on the process can be found on the UK Government security vetting website. Applicants should check if they are eligible for DV clearance before applying to this role.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. We value diversity of background, experience, and perspective, and are proud to be an inclusive employer. We warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from groups currently under-represented in our sector. If you feel passionate about this role but don't meet every single requirement, please apply - we recognise that great candidates may bring strengths beyond the criteria listed.