AI Security Research Scientist - Applied Mathematics

The Role

We are seeking an AI Security Research Scientist to join The Alan Turing Institute’s Defence & National Security team, helping to strengthen the robustness, reliability, and resilience of AI systems used in high stakes environments. This is an exciting opportunity for a mathematically strong researcher to apply advanced modelling, optimisation, statistical, numerical and experimental skills to cutting-edge AI security challenges, working closely with researchers, engineers and external partners to turn innovative ideas into practical capabilities. The role would suit someone with a PhD or equivalent experience in a highly quantitative field, strong programming skills and the ability to work from first principles, learn quickly and communicate complex research clearly. Prior experience in machine learning or AI security is welcome but not essential, and eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance is required.

Your Profile

We are looking for a highly analytical researcher with a strong grounding in applied mathematics or a similarly quantitative discipline, backed by a PhD or equivalent experience involving advanced algorithmic, statistical or numerical methods and computer programming. The ideal candidate will be fluent in one or more modern data science languages, able to communicate research clearly through technical outputs and confident working independently while collaborating effectively with others. They will be someone who learns quickly, thinks from first principles and is excited by the challenge of applying rigorous mathematical and experimental thinking to complex AI security problems. Experience in areas such as optimisation, robustness, verification, deep learning, cybersecurity or AI red teaming would be an advantage, but just as important is the ability to move comfortably between theory, modelling and experimentation, engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders and meet the eligibility requirements for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Adapt, assess, and extend existing research (from within the Institute and beyond) to understand how it behaves in realistic operational settings.
• Formulate research questions that make novel ideas testable, measurable, and actionable for partners.
• Design and run rigorous deep learning and AI security experiments - from robustness and adversarial evaluations to interpretability studies and stress-testing emerging methods.
• Generate insights: analyse results, identify failure modes, characterise risks, and evaluate whether a method is ready to progress toward real-world use.
• Prototype and iterate on new approaches, working closely with Research Engineers to ensure experiments are rigorous, reproducible, and well implemented.
• Translate findings into technical reports, presentations, demonstrations, and early-stage capabilities that inform partners’ operational decisions.
• Contribute to the wider research community, sharing knowledge internally, participating in discussions, and contributing where appropriate to publications and open-source outputs.

Application Procedure

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV (maximum 3 pages, no photo) and covering letter (maximum 2 pages).

As this role requires eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance, it is an essential part of the application process that you include the following information as part of your cover letter:

• Your current nationality
• Your nationality at birth
• Other nationality (include dual nationality if applicable)
• Confirmation that you have been residing in the UK for the past 5 years (if you haven’t, please provide details of when and where you resided and the reason)

Please note, if these details are not provided, we will be unable to progress with your application for this role.

If you wish to share links to blog posts, public code repositories or research papers containing work that you have made significant contribution to, please add a link to those in your cover letter.

For questions about the role and the recruiting process please get in touch with us at recruitment@turing.ac.uk. If you would like to apply using a different format, please contact the Recruitment team.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2026 AT 23:59 (LONDON, UK BST)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early or to interview suitable candidates before the closing date if enough applications are received.

Terms and Conditions

This full-time post is offered on a permanent basis. The annual salary is £45,505-£51,241 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, Employee-only benefits guide | The Alan Turing Institute

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. We expect staff to come to our office at least 4 days per month. Some roles may require more days in the office; the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

Security Clearance

Eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance is a requirement for this role. Eligibility criteria and further information on the process can be found on the UK Government security vetting website. Applicants should check if they are eligible for DV clearance before applying to this role.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a pre-screening check. This check will be carried out by HMG Defence and Security Partners. Please be advised, by submitting your application you are consenting to this check, and your personal details (full name, date of birth and home address) to be passed onto our HMG Defence and Security Partners to carry out this check.

Many roles in the Defence and National Security Programme require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK or a NATO country depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks, amongst other factors. These roles are subject to security restrictions by Turing’s partners. The restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, your foreign connections, and your place of birth can restrict your eligibility to perform the role.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value diversity of background, experience, and perspective, and are proud to be an inclusive employer. We warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from groups currently under-represented in our sector. If you feel passionate about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, please apply - we recognise that great candidates may bring strengths beyond the criteria listed.

We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at recruitment@turing.ac.uk to tell us how we can assist you.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.

Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from HR@turing.ac.uk.