Higher Scientist - AI Scientist / Software Developer

About the Role

At NPL, we are looking for an experienced AI scientist or software developer with a real passion for tackling some of the biggest challenges in developing the measurement science needed to test, evaluate, and assure the quality and trustworthiness of AI systems to join the Data Science & AI department. As a Higher Scientist, you'll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research, build our capability and provide impact to our clients through project delivery.

The work conducted within the Data science & AI department responds national challenges in areas of prosperity (e.g. advanced manufacturing), security and resilience, environment, and health. Our AI Programme contributes to the UK government commitment to support the AI assurance ecosystem to increase trust and adoption of AI. In this role, you will contribute to projects developing and applying methods for AI assurance, helping to build confidence in the safety, reliability and trustworthiness of AI systems. Through a combination of practical and theoretical learning, you will gain experience aligned with the UK's vision for trustworthy and responsible AI innovation, becoming a technical authority for building confidence in the trustworthy use of AI.

As a Higher Scientist, you will collaborate with a variety of teams, both internal and external to NPL, within academic, industrial and governmental sectors, and at national and international levels. You will be expected to use logical thinking skills for designing and following a work plan, along with developing technical documents including scientific publications.  Additionally, you will contribute to project idea generation, bidding support and consideration of digital products and services that could be built upon your research.

The role can be based at either of our Glasgow or Cambridge hub offices, or at our main Teddington (London) site, with occasional travel required between these three sites. Additional opportunities to travel both nationally and internationally will become available as part of your role in delivery projects, collaborating with partners, and through conference attendance.

About You

We are looking for an AI Scientist / AI Software Developer to support the development and deployment of test and evaluation processes for artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions. This role is ideal for those with experience in developing or testing AI/ML applications and is looking to build their skillset, working closely with senior researchers and engineers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement machine learning and AI models
• Develop test and evaluation protocols on ML/AI models
• Assist in data pre-processing, feature engineering, and exploratory data analysis
• Contribute to building scalable and maintainable AI software systems
• Debug, test, and improve existing models and codebases
• Document workflows, models, and results clearly

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Degrees in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, or a related field
• Deep understanding of machine learning concepts and algorithms
• Understanding of statistics and data analysis
• Programming experience in Python (preferred) or similar languages
• Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
• Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and software development practices
• Experience with version control (e.g., Git) and collaborative development
• Experience in using computing environments
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn

Desirable:

• Familiarity with MLOps tools (e.g. MLflow, Weights & Biases)
• Exposure to natural language processing (LLMs, agents), computer vision, or reinforcement learning

However, to work in this role in the Data Science & AI department, you will need to have a current SC clearance, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. 

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. 

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits . Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. 

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.