Senior Machine Learning Researcher

Darktrace; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays 23 days

Birthday day off

Private medical

Life insurance

Pension scheme

Enhanced family leave

Employee assistance

Cycle to work

Job summary

Darktrace, a global AI-driven cybersecurity leader, seeks a Senior Machine Learning Researcher in Cambridge. You will explore innovative ideas, prototype research, and collaborate with software engineers to integrate outcomes into our security platform.

The role emphasizes machine learning expertise, including large language models, with responsibilities spanning independent research and team projects, plus deploying models across diverse environments and edge devices for optimized latency and

Qualifications

• PhD or master’s in ML or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with Python ML libraries: PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn.
• Strong understanding of LLMs and applications (transfer learning, embeddings, generative use).
• Ability to work both independently and in a team; make autonomous decisions.

Responsibilities

• Prototype new ideas and lead research initiatives.
• Collaborate with software engineers to deploy research outcomes.
• Implement ML models in the wider software stack with edge deployment considerations.
• Optimize models for latency and memory across settings.

Skills

PhD/MSc ML

LLMs expertise

Python programming

Autonomous work

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in ML

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

scikit-learn

Linux

Git

Job description

Darktrace is a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats every day.

Darktrace was built on a genuinely differentiated idea: that Adaptive AI could detect and respond to novel, real‑time cyber threats. That approach matters more than ever in the era of AI. Today, our customers depend on us to stay ahead.

At Darktrace, we are energized by that responsibility. We work across teams and rally around a shared goal. We own outcomes end to end - step in, step up and see things through without waiting to be asked. We make decisions with urgency, say the hard thing, and hold each other to high standards with care and directness. We move first and learn fast anticipating where our customers are going next, continuously challenging ourselves.

We invest in the skills, learning and opportunities that help people deliver at the level their roles demand, and reward the aptitude and curiosity to grow beyond them.

Our Values: Own It | Win as One | Raise Our Bar | Move First. Learn Fast

Job Description

As a Senior Machine Learning Researcher, you'll play a key role in diverse projects, from prototyping new ideas to extensive research initiatives. Collaborating with software engineers, you'll test and implement research outcomes, contributing to our distinctive cyber defence methodology. This position emphasises expertise in machine learning, though will also involve extensive collaboration with software development and security analysis teams.

You will be responsible for exploring solutions to interesting problems in a variety of domains, using techniques including large language models, statistical methods, and classical machine learning where appropriate. You will work both as an independent researcher and in team collaborations. You will also be responsible for implementing your machine learning models in the wider software stack. As we deploy our machine learning models in a variety of settings, including on edge devices, you will be expected to produce optimised solutions for both latency and memory.

Please note this is a hybrid role, with a compulsory attendance of 2 days a week in the Cambridge office.

What will I be doing?

You will be responsible for exploring solutions to interesting problems in a variety of domains, using techniques including large language models, statistical methods, and classical machine learning where appropriate. You will work both as an independent researcher and in team collaborations. You will also be responsible for implementing your machine learning models in the wider software stack. As we deploy our machine learning models in a variety of settings, including on edge devices, you will be expected to produce optimised solutions for both latency and memory.

Please note this is a hybrid role, with a compulsory attendance of 2 days a week in the Cambridge office.

What experience do I need?

Essential:

• Candidates must have a PhD or master's degree in machine learning or a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience with Python machine learning libraries (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn)
• A deep understanding of large language models and their applications (e.g. transfer learning, embeddings, generative usage, agentic functionality)
• Be a team player but with the ability to operate autonomously and take independent decisions.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with standard tooling for agentic systems.and associated infrastructure (e.g. MCP servers, vector databases, memory, ontologies)
• Experience with low-code and high-code cloud AI services (e.g. AWS Bedrock, Azure AI Foundry, Vertex AI, Copilot Studio)
• Experience with a variety of machine learning techniques
• Familiarity with Linux and Git
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts and common threats, including those specific to AI systems

Benefits:

• 23 days’ holiday + all public holidays, rising to 25 days after 2 years of service,
• Additional day off for your birthday,
• Private medical insurance which covers you, your cohabiting partner and children,
• Life insurance of 4 times your base salary,
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme,
• Enhanced family leave,
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program,
• Cycle to work scheme.

As a growing business strengthening its governance and controls, this role plays a part in supporting high standards of integrity and accountability.

Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Darktrace is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your Talent Partner.