Principal Data Scientist, AI Security Research

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Role Overview

The Defence & National Security Programme (D&NS) at the Alan Turing Institute is building a new research and innovation team focused on AI Security. The Principal will lead and grow the AI Security Group and develop an R&D portfolio addressing challenges identified in a “problem book”. These challenges address the most pressing needs of government partners and will highlight the Institute’s strengths in research and technology.

Main Duties

• Define and maintain the research strategy, providing scientific leadership on AI security and delivering on the problem book.
• Undertake upstream research to solve critical national‑security problems.
• Provide technical leadership & oversight of research development, ensuring technical quality, rigour, and integrity of all outputs, including code, reports, demos and papers.
• Establish and continually develop an R&D team with the needed skills, line‑manage staff, and support career development.
• Prioritise an iterative, experimentation‑led, outcome‑focused R&D culture.
• Engage with stakeholders in Government and UK universities, maintain productive relationships, and communicate complex ideas clearly.

Your Profile

• DV security clearance is essential and applicants must already hold DV clearance.

• PhD or equivalent professional experience in a field with significant use of computer programming and advanced mathematics, specifically related to artificial intelligence and machine learning.

• Direct experience developing and deploying technologies for UK Defence and National Security organisations.

• Fluency in one or more programming languages used in data science (primarily Python). Demonstrable experience of other languages is important.

• Excellent technical skills combined with strong leadership, communication and team‑management experience.

Pay & Benefits

Annual salary: £78,422‑£83,456 plus DV security clearance allowance.

Benefits include flexible working, family‑friendly policies and company‑wide benefits (details on portal).

Closing Date & Application Procedure

Closing date: Sunday 25 January 2026 at 23:59 (London, UK GMT).

Applications accepted at the Alan Turing Institute jobs portal. Register, complete the application form with CV and cover letter. For questions, email recruitment@turing.ac.uk.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, religion, belief, sex or sexual orientation. Reasonable adjustments are available for disabled candidates.

Location & Working Arrangements

Based at the British Library in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. Employees are expected to work in the office at least 4 days per month; some roles may require more. The hiring manager will confirm details during the interview.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Research

Industries: Research Services