Ministry of Defence on the hunt for data scientists with expertise in AI

Four data scientists ought to be enough to keep the UK safe, believes the MoD

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is on the hunt for data scientists with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to help it analyse critical information vital to the UK's defence.

"Let's be honest, if the MoD is going to maintain a winning edge and keep our forces safe we are going to have to handle today's most valuable commodity, data, very differently," the job advert for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (dstl) states.

It added that MoD sensors pick-up and stream hundreds of terabytes of data per hour, including images, radar, speech, text, maps, vehicle data, medical data, and data that is both open and hidden.

"Out of this avalanche we must extract critical information and bring it together to gain the vital insights that keep our Defence and Security one step ahead. No one can read it all; these days, making the links and protecting the UK at home and abroad depends on the right fusion of human and machine abilities. That's where you come in," the advert states.

The data scientists will get to know the problems the military face and develop the technological advantage to keep them effective and safe, it adds, and they will have to apply a range of information science and machine intelligence skills to do so.

The government is looking for four data scientists with strong numerical qualifications and related experience. They will all need to keep up-to-date with research and develop knowledge and techniques in the data science field.

They'll be tasked with using the research to demonstrate operational advantages for the UK's defence, and will have to work with external bodies, including international partners and academia, along with other government departments.

However, the data scientists could be at different levels of seniority - as the role becomes more senior, the government is seeking increasing levels of experience and qualification.

At the top levels (7 and 8), scientists will be trusted advisers, influencing policy across government and candidates will have to demonstrate a "world-class technical knowledge base and specialism".

The successful candidates will have knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Data analytics, such as AI and machine learning;
• Data management and curation;
• Data science engineering;
• Story-telling and data visualisation;
• Systems engineering; and,
• Basic programming ability.

The job is based at Dstl Porton Down near Salisbury and/or with operational users at RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire. The salary will range from £31,908 to £72,084, depending on experience.

The full job advert can be found here.