Senior Research Associate, Defence and National Security, AI for Intelligence Analysis
Apply for the Senior Research Associate role at The Alan Turing Institute.
Pay Range
The annual salary is £56,840-£58,482. The role also offers flexible working and other benefits.
Role Overview
The Alan Turing Institute’s Defence & National Security Grand Challenge seeks to develop AI methods that support intelligence analysis for national security and defence. This project, entitled AI Intelligence Triage & Acquisition Support for Human‑centred Analysis (AiTASHA), aims to improve the speed and confidence of analysts’ assessments through new AI tools that complement human work.
Main Duties
* Lead high‑quality research and steer the broader research aims of the Defence and National Security Grand Challenge.
* Provide technical leadership for research projects, ensuring that outcomes meet government partners’ requirements and can be deployed in the real world.
* Contribute to and lead interdisciplinary teams spanning multiple partners.
* Participate in software development, including planning, execution, release, and package management.
* Act as a point of contact for stakeholders and deputise for the Principal Investigator when necessary.
Qualifications
* PhD (or equivalent) with significant expertise in computer programming and advanced statistical or numerical methods, e.g. machine learning, AI, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, or engineering.
* Practical experience developing and applying machine learning to real‑world problems OR strong theoretical knowledge and academic experience in machine learning and adjacent topics.
* Significant experience in computer vision and/or large language models OR substantial experience in machine learning interpretability, explainability, or uncertainty quantification.
* Excellent communication skills, collaborative team spirit, and mentoring ability.
Eligibility for Security Check (SC) Clearance
Eligibility for SC clearance is required. Further information can be found on the UK Government security vetting website. Successful candidates will be subject to a Dstl research workers form check at the offer stage.
Security Clearance Information
* Your current nationality
* Your nationality at birth
* Other nationality (include dual nationality if applicable)
* Confirmation that you have been residing in the UK for the past 5 years (or provide details of where you resided, when and the reason)
Closing Date
Applications close on Sunday 11 January 2026 at 23:59 (London, UK GMT).
Terms & Conditions
This is a full‑time, fixed‑term position for two years starting in April 2026.
Application Procedure
Please click the apply button to be redirected to the jobs portal. Complete the application form, including a CV (max 3 pages, no photo) and a cover letter (max 2 pages) addressing the following points:
* Your past experience innovating with code and/or data to solve real‑world challenging problems.
* Why you would like to join the Turing’s Defence and Security Programme.
* How your skill set complements the AiTASHA project.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Reasonable adjustments can be made for candidates with disabilities.
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