Lead AI Researcher

Working Pattern

Working Pattern: Hybrid (2-3 days onsite)

A leading organisation within the defence and advanced technology sector is seeking a Lead AI Researcher to play a key role in shaping the future direction of artificial intelligence research and development. This is an opportunity for an experienced AI leader to drive technical innovation across a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge projects, working alongside highly skilled researchers, engineers and industry specialists.

The successful candidate will help define research strategy, lead complex programmes and provide technical leadership across multiple AI disciplines. Current areas of focus include Large Language Models, Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning, Knowledge Graphs, Computer Vision, Remote Sensing, Autonomous Systems and AI applications within complex sensing environments.

• Lead the technical delivery of large-scale AI research and development programmes
• Define and guide research activities across strategically important technology areas
• Oversee the production of technical reports, proposals and customer-facing deliverables
• Provide technical assurance across projects, bids and research outputs
• Engage with customers, stakeholders and academic partners to identify future opportunities
• Mentor and support the development of junior researchers and engineers
• Present complex technical concepts to both specialist and non-technical audiences
• Contribute to the growth and direction of AI capability within the wider organisation

• PhD in a relevant scientific, engineering or technical discipline
• Approximately 10 years or more experience within AI, Machine Learning or related research environments
• Previous experience leading R&D teams and technical programmes
• Strong track record of delivering advanced AI solutions within industry or academia
• Experience providing engineering or technical assurance across projects and deliverables
• Demonstrable proposal writing and bid support experience
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence technical direction

• Large Language Models and Generative AI
• Knowledge Graphs and Graph Neural Networks
• Computer Vision and Image Analytics
• AI applications for radar, sonar, RF or electronic sensing environments
• Additional experience publishing research papers, contributing to conferences or collaborating with academic institutions would be highly advantageous.

This role would suit a technically credible AI leader looking to combine hands-on innovation with strategic influence, helping to deliver next-generation capabilities in some of the most challenging and complex technology domains.

For further information feel free to reach me at , or simply apply!