Research Senior Specialist – Intelligent Service Operations
Req ID: 57037 | Posting Start Date: 13/05/2026 | Job Function: Product & Propositions | Division: Networks | Location: GBR Bristol - Assembly | Application Closing: 27/05/2026 | Hybrid: 3 days in office per week
About the Role
This senior technical expert role is within Research and Commercialisation and shapes BT’s future technology direction in Intelligent Service Operations. The role focuses on new and emerging technologies, extracting business opportunities and delivering high‑quality research that supports BT’s objectives.
Responsibilities
* Domain expert responsible for delivering world‑class research within the Network Platform & Security research group.
* Accountable for generating proposals and managing novel research projects that deliver business value and contribute to RaC goals.
* Responsible for intellectual property creation and coaching the team in IP development.
* Manages collaborative research projects or other research collaborations as appropriate.
* Accountable for appropriate standards contribution, industry influencing and direction setting within the area of specialism for the team.
* Responsible for authoring thought‑leadership technical papers, capturing intellectual property.
* Supervision of professionals, graduates and post‑graduate student placements and secondments.
Essential Skills / Experience
* 10+ years as a technical domain expert pioneering new and emerging network systems technologies across Intelligent Service Operations, including service orchestration, SD‑WAN, network automation, orchestration and assurance frameworks, layered service architectures, VNFM, NFVO, SDWAN, network programming and Cloud computing (OpenStack).
* Experience with automation data pipelines, intent‑based networking, close‑loop automation and assurance, and TM Forum industry standards.
* AI/ML expertise, including LLM training techniques, design and frameworks.
* End‑to‑end service operations experience and proven research or development in this area.
Desirable Skills / Experience
* Research reputation: world‑class standing, peer‑reviewed papers, patents, keynote speaking or panel participation at high‑profile conferences.
* Horizon scanning: detect early signs of important developments in technology and network strategy.
* Story‑telling with data: build the case for change, use analytical techniques, and communicate to business audiences.
* Business acumen: knowledge of business strategy, performance drivers, financial literacy, business KPIs, and business cases.
* Degree‐level qualification required; postgraduate qualifications highly desirable.
* Member of a professional body (e.g., Institution of Engineering and Technology).
Benefits
* 15% on‑target bonus.
* Health Care.
* BT Pension scheme: minimum 5% employee contribution, BT contribution 10%.
* Equal family leave: 18 weeks full pay, 8 weeks half pay, 26 weeks statutory rate (for all parents).
* Enhanced women’s health support (menopause, cancer screening, period care).
* 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with service.
* 24/7 virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues.
* 2 weeks carer’s leave.
* World‑class training and development opportunities.
* Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes.
EEO Statement
We are committed to a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every requirement, please apply anyway – you may be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team. We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required.
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