Principal Data Scientist, AI Security Research

Join the Defence & National Security Programme (D&NS) at the Alan Turing Institute to lead a new research and innovation team focused on AI/ML security. This unique role provides the opportunity to develop strategies that address real‑world challenges in national security, in collaboration with government partners and UK universities.

The Role

The Principal will form a research group, develop an R&D portfolio and maintain a ‘problem book’ of priority challenges. They will steer the research agenda, ensuring outputs deliver high utility to national security partners and reflect the Institute’s leadership in the AI security domain.

Your Profile

DV security clearance is an essential requirement and applicants must already hold clearance. Further information is available from the UK Government security vetting website.

Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in a field that blends advanced mathematics and computer programming, particularly in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Direct experience in developing and deploying technologies for UK Defence and National Security organisations is essential. Fluency in Python is required, with demonstrable experience in other data‑science programming languages highly valued.

Strong leadership, communication and team‑management skills are required. The successful candidate will have a proven record in setting strategic direction for technical teams.

Main Duties

• Define and maintain the research strategy, providing scientific leadership on AI security and managing the problem book.
• Drive upstream research to tackle key national security problems.
• Provide technical leadership and oversee research development, ensuring rigorous, high‑quality outputs such as code, reports, demos and papers.
• Establish and continuously develop an R&D team with the necessary skills, line‑manage staff and support their career development.
• Prioritise and promote an iterative, experimentation‑led, outcome‑focused culture.
• Engage stakeholders, maintaining productive relationships with government partners and universities, and facilitate deep technical discussions to shape research priorities.

Closing date for applications

Sunday 30 November 2025 at 23:59 (London, UK GMT)

Terms and Conditions

This full‑time, permanent position offers an annual salary of £78,422 plus DV allowance and excellent benefits, including flexible working and family‑friendly policies.

Application Procedure

To apply, click the apply button which redirects to the Institute’s jobs portal. Complete the online application, submitting your CV and a covering letter. For alternative application formats, email recruitment@turing.ac.uk.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to diversity and adheres to the Equality Act. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, religion, sex or sexual orientation. Reasonable adjustments can be made for candidates with disabilities.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Research