Principal 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.

We are seeking an exceptional Principal Cyber Artificial Intelligence Specialist to play a leading role in shaping the future of AI-enabled capabilities for defence and national security. This is a rare opportunity to influence how advanced AI technologies are researched, developed, evaluated and deployed within some of the UK's most complex and high-impact environments.

As a recognised technical authority, you will provide strategic leadership across multiple AI and cyber programmes, guiding decisions on emerging technologies and ensuring AI capabilities are safe, effective and fit for purpose. Working at the intersection of cyber security, artificial intelligence and national security, you will collaborate with senior stakeholders across government, industry and academia to solve challenging problems and deliver operational advantage.

This role offers the opportunity to influence future technology strategy, drive innovation and build organisational capability through mentoring, technical leadership and community development. You will help shape policy, governance and assurance approaches while leading multidisciplinary teams tackling some of the most complex challenges facing defence today.

You will combine deep expertise in AI technologies with outstanding leadership, communication and strategic thinking skills. You will be comfortable operating in highly complex environments, providing evidence-based advice to senior decision-makers and creating clarity where there is uncertainty.

This role is eligible for an additional specialist allowance of £2758 annually subject to meeting extended onboarding requirements. The role may be eligible for additional skills allowances depending on the skills and experience of the applicant.

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction across AI-enabled cyber research, development and capability programmes.
• Identify, evaluate and exploit emerging AI technologies and methodologies to shape future capabilities.
• Lead the assessment, assurance and governance of complex AI systems, ensuring informed and evidence-based decisions are made.
• Act as a senior technical authority, providing expert advice to customers, stakeholders and delivery teams.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships across government, defence, industry and academia.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical and operational challenges.
• Influence technology strategy, policy development and future research priorities.
• Mentor senior practitioners and enhance organisational capability through knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Promote innovation, technical excellence and the responsible adoption of AI within cyber and national security environments

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

• A degree in a relevant STEM discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• Extensive experience working with artificial intelligence technologies in development, evaluation, assurance or operational settings.
• Deep knowledge of AI concepts and technologies, including generative AI, large language models, foundation models and autonomous systems.
• Experience providing technical leadership across complex programmes, portfolios or strategic initiatives.
• Strong understanding of AI governance, assurance, risk management, safety and responsible…