Senior AI Research Lead

Our collective aims to identify and understand how global Science and Technology (S&T) could impact the business of national security. This diverse team of scientists, engineers and programme professionals uses unique methods and our network within S&T community to deliver a range of activities. This includes academic and industry horizon scanning, strategic technology research, and applied research and prototype development - all to enhance MI5's capabilities and operations.

As a Senior AI Research Lead, you'll provide technical leadership and direction regarding the development and application of AI and Data Science. You'll conduct research into issues MI5 could face and help us understand how we can overcome these risks. Working alongside Principal Scientists, Project Managers, and Subject Matter Experts, you'll agree and deliver a scientific research programme that is fit for purpose and supports the needs of future users.

You'll be the technical authority in one of our AI and Data Science research areas. You'll develop a strategy for these areas that will define the research programme and work with stakeholders, commercial suppliers, and academia to provide oversight and delivery of that programme. You'll support the development and application of AI and Data Science by building relationships with end users and delivery partners, working to understand their needs and providing knowledge that's clear and accessible.

Plus, you'll work with the AI Engineering team to evaluate research deliverables and support trials, experiments, and activities. Guided by the Principal Scientist, you'll be responsible for supporting mission customers with advice on your research area. In short, you'll collaborate with a community spanning government departments and international partners as you share your research and ensure your programme has maximum impact.

Please note, some sporadic overseas travel once or twice per year is possible in this role. This is in addition to occasional national travel to visit customer and supplier locations, national security events, and UK conferences. There's also the potential for line management responsibilities, should you be interested., At MI5, we're committed to ensuring you have access to a broad range of training and development opportunities to allow you to unlock your full potential - and to enjoy a rewarding career where you're always learning. Upon joining, you'll receive an induction into what we do and how we operate. You'll also have a dedicated mentor and support from the wider team to help you settle in.

AI is a rapidly evolving field, so we will identify ongoing training resources, provide access to events and conferences, and allocate time to experiment with the latest technologies. We use the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (formerly the Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) Profession Capability Framework) as a compass to provide guidance and tools to support you, and that recognises and rewards specialist expertise. There'll also be opportunities to gain qualifications and pursue specialist pathways.

As you develop, grow, and maintain your technical skills, you can progress through Government Digital and Data pay points. You'll need to regularly demonstrate and accredit your skills based on a set framework, with support available if you're not initially successful.

You might already be working across multiple teams and/or with stakeholders. Importantly, having demonstrable evidence of technical leadership of AI and Data Science projects is essential., You'll be well-versed in either engineering or science, to a degree-level or equivalent. Alternatively, experience of working in an AI and Data Science environment is also valuable. While we recognise the breadth of this field and do not expect mastery of all areas, proficiency in any of the following will enhance your application:

• Practical experience with machine learning or deep neural network technologies, including familiarity with libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn.


• Experience in developing analytics for unstructured data types like images, video, audio files, or text. Whether through machine learning methods or custom algorithmic approaches, such as vision processing.


• A solid understanding of statistical and mathematical theories that inform data driven solutions.


• The ability to discuss recent AI and/or Data Science developments that capture your interest or other technical experience showcasing your eagerness to engage with AI and Data Science concepts.


As you'll be collaborating with a wide range of colleagues, partners, customers, and stakeholders, you'll be a confident communicator able to translate scientific or technical information to non-technical audiences. You'll have a track record of successful teamwork and knowledge sharing. Plus, you'll recognise the importance of ensuring knowledge and skills are utilised through good administrative practice and actively, encouraging team engagement.

And of course, you'll be keen to improve your own knowledge and seek to continuously learn and adapt to an ever-changing research landscape. Your enthusiasm will inspire others to be open to new approaches too. You'll also be a problem-solver with a flexible approach to change, able to carry out your research in an agile way.,
• Have an engineering or scientific foundation, to degree level or equivalent qualification/experience.


• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of AI and data science concepts and the ability to develop and apply data science capabilities.


• Able to manage and communicate with a range of stakeholders including translating technical information to a non-technical audience.


• Experience of managing a programme of technical research.
  
  MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners, including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe. A role in MI5 means you'll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security., To work at MI5, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. You can read our full eligibility criteria here.


This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). It's something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. You can find out more about the vetting process here.

Please note we have a strict drugs policy, so once you start your application, you can't take any recreational drugs, and you'll need to declare your previous drug usage at the relevant stage.

Before you apply, we advise you to consider setting up a separate email address for your contact with us, to ensure your personal and application correspondence remain separate. Try to avoid having identifying features in your email address, such as your first and/or surname and date of birth. This is good practice and will help you manage your application with us more discretely.

The role is based in Central London or Manchester, so you'll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application. A loan is available to support people relocating to London.

Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.

Full-time, with part-time, compressed hours and flexible working options considered. This is predominantly an office-based role, with limited home working., You'll receive a starting salary of £72,401 - £83,209 dependent on location and experience, plus other benefits including:

- 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays.
- Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
- Personal Learning Budget.
- Interest-free season ticket loan.
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations).
- Paid parental and adoption leave.