Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialist

Location: Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ

Are you an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) specialist ready for your next cyber challenge?

Are you confident using Python and applying mathematic techniques?

Does working in unique environments and facilities excite you?

If so, Dstl’s cyber capability is expanding, read on to find out more.

This opportunity will see you apply maths, programming an python skills to AI and ML in cyber. You will join a team of friendly and hard-working professionals who share the pride of working for an organisation that delivers projects at the heart of UK defence and security.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Job description

As the AI and ML specialist you will:
* Apply python skills to challenges including manipulating reinforcement and deep learning models as well as LLMs (Large Language Models).
* Use Python to interact with deepfake generators to understand how they work, demonstrating an ability to create deepfakes as a method for learning.

For more information on the role, please see the Candidate Information Pack attached below.

Person specification

You will bring:
* Mathematical skills to understand the underpinning theory of neural networks & deep learning models, Large Language Models, and reinforcement learning; and being able to explain how AI/ML models work
* An understanding of the AI and ML systems that create ‘deepfake’ imagery
* Experience using Python ML tools such as Pytorch and Tensorflow
* Experience of working on non-routine problems and making meaningful technical assessments within engineering or technology.

Dstl will give you the opportunity to thrive working on unique projects, access to great learning and development opportunities as well as the other fantastic perks of working for the Civil Service.

Intrigued to learn more? Read the candidate information pack attached below for more information.

The nature of our work requires us to be on site at least 60% of the time. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application, as we are unable to offer relocation costs.

You can find more information on the vetting process in this video

Certain roles may qualify for additional pay allowances on top of your salary.

To help our people remain current and ready to face ever evolving challenges development is a priority. We have a variety of technical training opportunities in place to help progress in your career and develop skills in new areas in addition to our Civil Service-Learning offer.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Delivering at Pace
* Communicating and Influencing
* Working Together
* Changing and Improving

Benefits

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:
Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Certain roles may qualify for additional pay allowances on top of your salary. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
Flexible working*: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).
Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview. The nature of our work requires us to be on site at least 60% of the time. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application, as we are unable to offer relocation costs.
Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.
Pension: Alongside your salary Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes a minimum of £10,941 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 10th March 2025 with interviews to be arranged from the 24th March 2025

At the Sift application stage we will be assessing the Personal Statement and CV against the essential criteria stated within the Candidate Information Pack.

The interview will consist of a combined Behavioural and Technical interview.
At the interview stage we will be asking you to expand on your technical background to ensure appropriate depth against level criteria
You will be asked to do a 10 minute presentation on ‘A technical project that you are proud of’

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: £37,769.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* On-site gym
* On-site parking

Work Location: In person