Senior Cyber Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialist

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 25th October 2026

At Dstl, our vision is to have a modern way of working efficiently, accommodating and enabling our people to create, collaborate and deliver. To do this successfully in this job will require attendance at a Dstl location, Government Departments including wider MoD or Delivery and Mission Partner premises for at least 80% of your working time.

Job summary

Are you passionate about applying Artificial Intelligence to solve some of the most complex cyber challenges facing the UK?

We are looking for a Senior Cyber AI Specialist to join a multidisciplinary team delivering innovative AI solutions in support of national security. Working at the forefront of cyber research and development, you will apply advanced mathematical, analytical and software engineering techniques to develop novel AI capabilities, explore emerging technologies and provide technical leadership across a range of challenging projects.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies including large language models, deep learning and reinforcement learning, helping to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions that deliver real-world impact. You will investigate emerging threats and opportunities within AI, evaluate the performance and robustness of models, and contribute to the development of trusted and assured AI capabilities.

As a senior specialist, you will work closely with scientists, engineers and technical stakeholders across government, industry and academia. Alongside your technical contribution, you will help shape future research direction, support the development of colleagues and provide authoritative technical advice that influences decision-making and programme outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who combines strong technical expertise with curiosity, creativity and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the UK's cyber and national security mission.

This role is eligible for an additional specialist allowance of £2758 annually subject to meeting extended onboarding requirements. The role may be eligible for additional skills allowances depending on the skills and experience of the applicant.

Job description

What you'll do;

• Design, develop and evaluate innovative AI and machine learning solutions to address complex cyber challenges.
• Apply advanced Python software development skills to develop and assess AI techniques including deep learning, reinforcement learning and large language models.
• Investigate emerging AI technologies, threats and opportunities, identifying practical applications and future research areas.
• Analyse and interpret model behaviour, performance, explainability and limitations using mathematical and analytical approaches.
• Develop approaches to AI testing, evaluation, assurance and validation to support robust and trustworthy outcomes.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality technical outputs and research outcomes.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences through reports, presentations and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor colleagues and help grow AI capability across the organisation.
• Manage technical risks, contribute to strategic decision-making and support the successful delivery of projects and programmes.

For more information on the job responsibilities, please see the job profile.

Person specification

What we're looking for;

• Strong understanding of AI and machine learning concepts, including neural networks, deep learning, reinforcement learning and large language models.
• Experience applying mathematical and analytical techniques to develop, evaluate or improve AI and machine learning solutions.
• Strong Python software development skills and experience working with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Experience solving complex technical challenges in engineering, science, technology or cyber-related environments.
• Experience leading or influencing technical work within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical topics clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience coaching, supporting or developing colleagues.

Please review the job description for more detailed information by clicking apply.

Important Information:

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats.

For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require Develop Vetting and you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.