Lead AI/ML Technologist

Salary: £70,000 - 110,000 per year

Requirements:

• PhD in AI/ML or a related field, with demonstrated ability to carry out research at that level, particularly in agentic AI, neuro-symbolic AI, reinforcement learning, machine learning, physics-informed neural networks, probabilistic reasoning, and uncertainty quantification.
• Experience delivering complex AI/ML projects in industry.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills, with a passion for AI technology, methods, and algorithms.
• Experience presenting research to a wider range of business, technical, and political audiences, with the ability to present complex issues simply.
• Broad technical architecture and hands-on experience with key technologies in machine learning, deep learning, and data science, including algorithms, software tools, and hardware.
• A proactive and self-confident approach, with adaptability and the ability to cope with ambiguity and changing priorities.
• A highly collaborative working style.

Responsibilities:

• We lead original research in cutting-edge AI and ML at TRL 3 and above, in areas such as agentic AI, neuro-symbolic AI, reinforcement learning, physics-informed neural networks, probabilistic reasoning, uncertainty quantification, and machine learning.
• We develop IP and capabilities in cutting-edge AI technologies through our technical work.
• We build partnerships with academia and industry to bridge early TRL research and industrial application in collaboration with our R&D team.
• We lead the development of industrial R&D proposals for funders such as Innovate UK, EPSRC, ARIA, Horizon Europe, UKRI, and related bodies.
• We contribute to the development and execution of our AI research strategy, including the AI Technology Roadmap and Radar.
• We own and define a research area and research plan within our area of expertise, aligned with other parts of the organisation.
• We participate in open innovation activities as AI/ML experts, including technical consulting with startups and corporates.
• We mentor more junior team members in AI and operations.
• We act as a key contributor to our AI technology roadmap and strategy and as a thought leader across the organisation.

Technologies:

• Agentic AI
• AI
• Hardware
• Support
• Machine Learning
• LESS
• Security

More:

We are Digital Catapults Advanced AI team (AAIT), our core AI research unit focused on collaborative R&D and IP development in cutting-edge technologies such as Agentic AI, Neurosymbolic AI, and AI for science, aligned with the UK governments industrial priority areas. This role can be based in our London, Belfast, or Bristol offices. We offer a salary of approximately £80,000-£90,000 per year, subject to experience, plus a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package. We provide hybrid working, with great offices to work from two days per week, though some roles require more onsite presence. Our benefits include 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year, double-matched pension up to 10% of salary, a 4% flexible benefits allowance, health cash plan, private medical insurance, buying holiday, pension top-up options, EV scheme, Cycle2Work, tech scheme, gym discounts, life insurance, EAP and financial wellbeing support, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, ongoing learning and development, and company social events. We are recognised as one of the UKs Top 100 Best Workplaces and one of the UKs Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations, and we are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and a supportive, collaborative culture.

last updated 35 week of 2026