Senior Cyber Artificial Intelligence Specialist

At Dstl, our vision is to have a modern way of working efficiently, accommodating and enabling our people to create, collaborate and deliver. To do this successfully in this job will require attendance at a Dstl location, Government Departments including wider MoD or Delivery and Mission Partner premises for at least 80% of your working time.

About the job Job summary Are you excited by the potential of Artificial Intelligence to solve some of the most complex challenges facing national security and defence?

Dstl is seeking a Senior Cyber Artificial Intelligence Specialist to join a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of AI innovation.

This role offers the opportunity to research, develop and apply cutting-edge AI technologies within cyber programmes, helping transform emerging capabilities into practical solutions that deliver real-world impact.

You will work on challenging technical problems, exploring the application of generative AI, large language models (LLMs), foundation models and autonomous systems to support operational effectiveness and decision-making. Working closely with scientists, engineers, cyber specialists and stakeholders, you will evaluate novel technologies, assess their strengths and limitations, and help shape their safe, responsible and effective use.

As a senior technical specialist, you will play a key role in developing AI capability across the organisation. You will provide technical leadership, support the delivery of complex projects, advise customers and stakeholders, and mentor less experienced colleagues. This is an opportunity to apply your expertise in a unique environment where innovation, technical excellence and collaboration are essential to delivering outcomes of national importance.

Job description

• Research, develop and apply AI technologies to solve complex cyber and defence challenges.
• Evaluate emerging AI capabilities, including generative AI, large language models, foundation models and autonomous systems.
• Assess the performance, effectiveness, risks and limitations of AI systems, producing evidence-based recommendations.
• Contribute to the assurance, testing and validation of AI-enabled capabilities.
• Develop innovative approaches, tools and methodologies that enhance AI capability and operational effectiveness.
• Provide authoritative technical advice and guidance to customers, stakeholders and project teams.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, assessments and briefings for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Lead technical activities within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring delivery of high-quality outcomes.
• Support the development of organisational AI expertise through mentoring, coaching and knowledge sharing.

For more information on the job responsibilities, please see the job profile attached below.

Person specification

• A degree in a STEM discipline such as Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, Physics or Mathematics, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong knowledge of Artificial Intelligence technologies, including generative AI, large language models (LLMs), foundation models and autonomous systems.
• Strong Python programming skills and experience using AI development frameworks and tooling.
• Experience evaluating, testing or assuring AI systems using evidence-based and analytical approaches.
• Strong software engineering, problem-solving and technical leadership capabilities.
• Experience applying AI technologies to solve…