MI5: AI Research Lead

Flexible working

Full-time, with part-time, compressed hours and flexible working options considered. This is predominantly an office-based role, with limited home working.

About Us

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. 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.

The Role

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 an AI Research Lead, you'll conduct research into issues MI5 could face and consider how we can overcome these risks. You'll join a team of Research Leads and work alongside Principal Scientists, Project Managers, and Subject Matter Experts to agree on and deliver a scientific research programme that is fit for purpose and supports the needs of future users.

You'll assist the Senior Research Lead in one of our AI and Data Science research areas, supporting 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.

You'll work with the AI Engineering team to evaluate research deliverables and support trials, experiments, and activities. Guided by the Senior AI Researcher, 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, in addition to occasional national travel to visit customer and supplier locations, national security events, and UK conferences.

About You

You should be well-versed in either engineering or science, to a degree-level or equivalent. Alternatively, you'll have existing experience working in an AI and Data Science environment. Knowledge in any of the below areas would be useful in 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.
• A solid understanding of statistical and mathematical theories that inform data driven solutions.
• The ability to articulate 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, clients, and stakeholders, you'll be a confident communicator able to translate scientific or technical information to non-technical audiences. You'll enjoy working as part of a team and be keen to share your knowledge through 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.

Training and Development

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'll identify ongoing training resources, provide access to events, and conferences, and give you time to experiment with the latest technologies. There'll also be opportunities to gain qualifications and pursue specialist pathways.

Rewards and Benefits

You'll receive a starting salary of £59,479 - £66,100 dependant on skills, experience, business need and location 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.

Equal Opportunities

At MI5 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce.

We're Disability Confident

MI5 are proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWP's Disability Confident scheme. To secure an interview for this vacancy the essential criteria, to be assessed at application form sift, is as follows:

• 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 contributing to a programme of technical research.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage:

• Application and CV sift.
• Competency Interview.
• Technical interview.

Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 - 9 months to process including vetting.

Before You Apply

To work at MI5, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV).

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.

The role is based in Central London or Manchester, so you'll need to live within a commutable distance.

Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK.

Right to Withdraw Statement:

Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received.