AI & Data, Operational Intelligence Scientist

Job summary

The AI Data, Operational Intelligence Scientist apply scientific advice, research, and advanced analytical expertise in support of Defence, Security, and National Security customers. The role focuses on enhancing intelligence exploitation and enabling next-generation capability through the application of operational intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, advanced analytics, imagery analysis, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) approaches.

As a Level 5 AI & Data, Operational Intelligence Scientist, the postholder will be an experienced practitioner and recognised specialist, applying operational intelligence, AI, data science and advanced analytical techniques to address complex Defence and National Security challenges. They will lead significant technical work packages, deliver research, experimentation and capability development activities, and provide trusted scientific and technical advice to customers and stakeholders. The role requires the integration and exploitation of data, information and intelligence from multiple sources to generate actionable insights, evaluate emerging technologies, and support evidence-based decision-making. Working collaboratively across Defence, Government, Industry and Academia, the postholder will contribute to innovation, build effective stakeholder relationships, support the development of technical capability, and uphold high professional and organisational standards.

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

You will engage confidently with MOD customers, Defence Intelligence, wider Government stakeholders and partners to understand complex operational challenges, identify emerging needs and shape innovative solutions.

You will lead the exploitation, analysis, evaluation and interpretation of data, information and intelligence from diverse and complex sources to inform Defence and National Security decision-making.

You will apply advanced analytical techniques, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science methods to deliver actionable insights and evidence-based recommendations to customers and stakeholders.

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

Person specification

You will be able to demonstrate practical experience of using data science or machine learning to solve complex problems and make meaningful technical assessments. Ability to design, develop and deploy AI/ML solutions.

You will be able to demonstrate strong programming skills in Python or another relevant language (e.g. Java/Rust etc), supported by good software engineering practice such as version control, testing, clear documentation and readable code.

You will be able to demonstrate practical experience of using data science or machine learning to solve complex problems and make meaningful technical assessments.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of working on complex technical problems, analysing information from multiple sources and applying sound technical judgement to support effective solutions, ideally in an engineering or technology environment.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of contributing to technical projects, studies or multidisciplinary teams, helping to assure technical products and outputs to a high standard.

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

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 Develop Vetting and you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s or higher Degree, or Equivalent, in a STEM subject.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Expertise in AI and Data, software engineering, programming (e.g. Python, Rust, Java, or equivalent), mathematics, and numerical or statistical modelling.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £41,431, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £12,002 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

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 (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours, 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.

• 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.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

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

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.

At the application stage, we will assess your submitted application against the essential criteria set out in the job profile.

Sifting will take place week commencing 23/11/2026 with interviews to held face to face at RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire on 7th to 19th December 2026.

Your interview will consist of behavioural and technical competency-based questions. You will also be required to deliver a 10-minute presentation. Further details for the presentation will be provided to candidates invited to interview.

If you are a current Dstl employee you must ensure your line manager is aware of your application and the potential situation regarding release dates.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) 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 theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Dstl Recruitment Team
• Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Further information

Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days.

Attachments

L5, AI Data Operational Intelligence Scientist, C4ISR, S&T Delivery Opens in new window (pdf, 182kB)Dstl Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 4978kB)