This role sits within the Defence and National Security (D&NS) Grand Challenge’s newly-established AI for Data-Driven Advantage (AIDA) research centre. The successful candidate will work across a range of research projects relating to defence AI implementation research, reporting directly into the Co-Director D&NS.
ROLE PURPOSE
In April 2026, the Turing established AIDA. Engaging closely with senior stakeholders from across UK Defence and its allies, the Centre conducts a range of research, analysis, advisory and engagement activities focussed on responsible, resilient and effective AI for Defence.
We are seeking to appoint a full-time Deputy Lead to work within the new Centre. The successful candidate will work across a range of research projects relating to the UK’s ambitions for Defence AI, engaging with stakeholders across the UK government, academia and the private sector. They will provide expert support when leading high-quality mixed-methods research for a Defence government, academic and industry audience, and relationship building with senior Defence decision-makers. They will lead, quality assure and contribute directly to high-profile public research reports, and will have the opportunity to represent the Turing at various stakeholder engagement activities, such as workshops, conferences and other events. They will also actively keep abreast of Defence AI policy developments and funding opportunities and promote AIDA at closed-door and international events. The Deputy Lead will assist the AIDA Defence AI Policy Lead with defining performance standards and regular monitoring of ongoing research and deliverables to ensure the quality standards of Defence partners and Turing internal policy are being met. Furthermore, the AIDA Head of Research will advise the AIDA Defence AI Policy Lead on strategic and operational decisions and support with business development and workforce planning.
The successful candidate will be an established Defence AI researcher, who will have a strong track record in delivering AI policy-focused research for a Defence audience. They will have considerable experience of engaging with and persuading senior government decision-makers, and synthesising complex material in an accessible format for a non-expert policy audience. The successful candidate will have a Doctorate-level qualification in a related discipline or equivalent experience, several years of experience working directly within a Defence AI research role, a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications on related topics.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN INPACT
The post holder will work closely with the AIDA Defence AI Policy Group Lead and Turing research team to:
- Lead the development of AIDA research standards and lean, research quality management protocols
- Resolve high-quality and timely research delivery inefficiencies, collating feedback from government partners and keeping abreast of Defence’s requirements to inform AIDA research
- Proactively develop new project proposals
- Mentor AIDA researchers in line with Defence’s feedback and requirements
- Engage with senior stakeholders to identify opportunities for AIDA engagement activities such as events and workshops, and lead on the conceptual development of these research engagement activities
- Build new research partnerships with external organisations to co-deliver collaborative AIDA research projects
- Support the AIDA Defence AI Policy Lead with review and quality control of written outputs produced by other researchers, both at the Turing and of external research collaborators
- Co-organise AIDA events, such as workshops and conferences, to showcase the outputs from this research
- Support the work of policymakers, regulators and others by providing advice, attending workshops and giving presentations
- Support with building a community of policymakers, academics and private sector stakeholders focussed on Defence AI Policy
- Contribute strategic input to increase AIDA’s impact on high consequence Defence AI challenges, the Turing’s international reputation with defence-relevant intergovernmental organisations and on enhancing AIDA’s financial sustainability.
ABOUT YOU
- A PhD-level qualification or substantial experience in a research role related to defence AI governance and policy or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated leadership and management of Defence-related research projects for UK Defence, its allies and partner intergovernmental organisations.
- Considerable experience of applying academic research methodologies to applied policy research problems that inform defence AI policy at the Ministry of Defence, Front Line Commands, Defence AI Centre and NATO.
- Strong working understanding of the UK Defence community and information security requirements gained through working directly with Defence stakeholders on technology policy research.
- Evidence of understanding common AI security risks and challenges to the delivery of ethical, responsible, effective and resilient AI for Defence.
- Evidence of successful fundraising and securing research grants from government Defence AI Policy-relevant funders.
- The ability to gather Defence market intelligence and feedback from funding partners, creatively solving problems, and integrating feedback to inform continuous research and stakeholder management improvement in the team.
- Ability to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries, both as part of an interdisciplinary team and in close collaboration with external partners in different disciplines.
- Ability to develop contacts and research collaborations in government and the global Defence AI ecosystem.
Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the role and person specification.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us at email [email protected].
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: SUNDAY 26TH JULY AT 23:59 (LONDON, UK BST)
Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 31st July 2026.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This full-time post is offered on a permanent basis. The annual salary range is £66,482 - £77,761 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.
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 [email protected] to advise 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 [email protected].