Senior AI/ML Technology Advisor
Apply at Ofcom. The role will close at 00:01 on Sunday 21 December; please submit your application by midnight on Saturday 20 December.
About Ofcom
As the UK’s communications regulator, we deliver vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. We’re also tackling the challenge of making the online world a safer place, and we need people from all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.
About the Team
The Online Safety Technology team conducts research to build knowledge and understanding in subjects fundamental to online safety, including AI and machine learning, digital identity, privacy enhancing technologies, decentralisation, user experience, gaming, network infrastructure, and digital forensics. The team provides technical expertise to policy, supervision and enforcement colleagues across the Online Safety Group and to others at Ofcom, during policy development and industry engagement.
The Purpose and Scope of the Role
We are looking for a technically strong and strategically minded AI/ML Senior Technology Advisor to provide expert guidance on the technical aspects of artificial intelligence and machine learning as they relate to online safety. The successful candidate will play a leading role in designing and delivering a programme of work that develops and shares fundamental understanding of the AI and ML technologies underpinning online services to help meet Ofcom's Online Safety objectives.
Your Key Responsibilities
Technical Advisory & Policy Support
* Provide expert guidance on AI/ML technologies to policy, supervision and enforcement teams.
* Advise on the technical feasibility and risks of proposed regulatory interventions.
* Translate complex AI concepts into actionable recommendations for senior leaders, policy experts, and external stakeholders.
AI/ML Research
* Lead AI/ML research projects, including literature reviews and experimental studies, on new capabilities, system performance, safety, and effectiveness.
* Explore novel and emerging AI/ML techniques that may impact online safety, such as Generative AI, Agentic AI, or multimodal models.
* Design demos that illustrate advances in AI models and convey the pace of progress to non-technical audiences.
* Develop an evidence base to inform policy decisions and support regulatory innovation.
Evaluation of AI Systems
* Assess AI systems used in online services for accuracy, fairness, transparency, robustness, scalability, and societal impact.
* Evaluate models and tools for technical feasibility and appropriateness for online trust and safety environments.
* Contribute to algorithmic audits and the development of standards for Responsible AI.
Technical Communication & Engagement
* Prepare and present technical briefings, white papers, and demos to technical and non-technical audiences.
* Host internal knowledge‑sharing sessions and represent Ofcom in external technical working groups and conferences.
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to influence regulatory thinking and promote responsible AI practices.
Horizon Scanning
* Monitor the AI research and technology landscape to identify emerging trends and anticipate regulatory challenges.
* Contribute thought leadership to ongoing debates around AI ethics, transparency, and accountability in online services.
* Maintain strong relationships with academia, industry, and public bodies to strengthen external research partnerships.
The Skills, Knowledge and Experience You’ll Need for Success
* Practical and theoretical expertise in AI/ML areas such as Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Reinforcement Learning, Agentic AI, Multimodal Models, Generative AI, Responsible AI, and Algorithmic Auditing.
* Knowledge of assessment techniques to evaluate AI systems for effectiveness, scalability, fairness, safety, robustness, and societal impact.
* Familiarity with programming languages used in AI/ML (e.g., Python) and relevant frameworks and tools.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
* Experience in a technical advisory role, ideally with a focus on AI/ML or online safety.
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence a range of internal and external stakeholders.
* Strategic vision for scanning emerging trends and aligning decisions with long‑term goals to inform effective policy and delivery outcomes.
Qualifications
Educated to at least degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or science subject; candidates with evidence of equivalent, demonstrable skills and experience in required specialist knowledge areas will also be considered.
Inclusivity Statement
At Ofcom we prioritise inclusive and diverse recruitment to truly reflect the society we represent.
Where positions are listed as full-time, we remain open to reduced hours, part‑time arrangements, job shares and other flexible working options from day one of employment. We warmly welcome applicants returning to work after a break – for whatever reason.
As a disability confident employer, we offer interviews to any disabled applicant who meets essential criteria for advertised roles.
If you need information in an alternative format or have specific preferences, please contact our recruitment team at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or call 0330 912 1378.
Seniority Level
Associate
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Information Technology
Industries
Telecommunications and Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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