Job Description
Senior Research Scientist – Data Science & Machine Learning
Location: South East UK (Hybrid: typically 2 days onsite in Great Baddow)
Clearance: SC clearable (UK EYES ONLY) – DV/UKIC eligibility highly desirable
Work Pattern: Full-time (37 hours/week) | Hybrid | Flexible
Interview Process: One-stage, face-to-face with technical presentation
Are you an experienced AI/ML researcher with a passion for applying cutting-edge techniques to real-world, high-impact challenges? Do you thrive in intellectually rigorous, collaborative environments where your research leads to operational outcomes?
We’re hiring a Senior Research Scientist to join a leading R&D team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomy, and signal processing. This role sits within a growing capability focused on time-series data, decision support systems, and autonomous platforms—and offers an ideal mix of technical leadership, creative freedom, and real-world application.
About the Team
You’ll be part of the Information Technology & Geospatial (ITG) team—a 35-person unit of scientists and product engineers working across:
* Machine Learning & Statistical Signal Processing
* NLP, Knowledge Representation, & Graph ML
* Geospatial Technology & Distributed Systems
* Autonomy, Reinforcement Learning, & Edge AI
The team operates within a larger Advanced Technology division, known for pioneering next-generation AI/ML capabilities for high-trust domains such as defence, space, and cyber.
What You’ll Do
* Lead applied research in AI/ML, with a focus on sequential data and complex decision-making
* Develop novel algorithms and prototypes in Python using frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn
* Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team-wide technical strategy
* Deliver technical reports, presentations, and research proposals to internal and external stakeholders
* Collaborate with top UK universities and other partners on forward-leaning research
* Translate academic thinking into robust, real-world solutions
* Author technical publications and contribute to patents where appropriate
What You’ll Bring
* PhD or equivalent experience in machine learning, applied maths, or related discipline
* Deep understanding of ML/AI applied to time-series/sensor data or decision systems
* Strong software prototyping skills, especially in Python and major ML frameworks
* Track record of technical leadership and research delivery
* Ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences alike
* Eligible for UK SC clearance as a minimum (UK EYES ONLY)
Bonus Experience (Highly Desirable):
* Radar, sonar, RF, or electromagnetic signal processing
* Electronic warfare, CEMA, or distributed sensing
* Space-domain awareness, autonomous systems, or edge ML
* NLP, knowledge graphs, generative AI or graph-based ML
* Academic publications, patent applications, or conference experience
Why This Role?
* Join one of the UK’s most forward-looking AI/ML research teams
* Work across multiple high-impact domains: defence, space, cyber, and more
* Shape the future of autonomous systems and decision intelligence
* Excellent work-life balance: hybrid working, flexible hours, minimal travel
* One-stage interview process—streamlined and efficient
* Collaborate with a world-class technical community of 4,500+ scientists and engineers
If you’re a creative, technically strong researcher who wants to lead meaningful innovation—this role offers the autonomy, support, and opportunity to do just that.
Apply now to learn more.