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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead AI/ML Technologist - **Company:** Digital Catapult - **Location:** Bristol, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £80,000.0 - £90,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Neural Networks, Machine Learning, Software Tools, Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning, Machine Learning Operations, Virtual Agents - **Published:** August 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.co.uk/jobad/gb837b1187f542b2cd7f9e4ec12d70e327 ## About the Role * PhD in AI/ML or AI or related field, and demonstrated ability to carry out research at that level (particularly in agentic AI, neuro-symbolic AI, reinforcement learning and machine learning, physics informed neural networks, probabilistic reasoning, uncertainty quantification and machine learning). * Experience delivering complex AI/ML projects in industry. * Strong leadership, analytical and communication skills with a passion for AI technology, methods and algorithms * Experience in presenting research and Outstanding presenter and communicator to a wider range of business, technical and political audiences with ability to present complex issues in a simple way * Broad technical architecture and hands-on experience with key technologies in machine learning, deep learning, data science; in terms of algorithms, software tools and hardware * Proactive and self-confident, adaptable and able to cope with ambiguity, changing and evolving priorities whilst being able to identify new opportunities, with a highly collaborative working style. ## Description Reporting to the Director of Technology AI, you will be a key member of the Advanced AI team (AAIT) which is the core AI research unit at Digital Catapult and responsible for carrying out collaborative R&D and IP development in cutting edge technologies such as Agentic AI, Neurosymbolic AI and AI for science, in line with UK governments industrial priority areas. You will lead development of research proposals (at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-5) for funders such as UKRI, ARIA and Horizon Europe, lead the delivery of R&D projects, mentor more junior team members in AI and operations, be a key contributor to the Digital Catapult AI technology roadmap and strategy, evolution of the role of the of AAIT within the organisation as a whole and act as a key AI thought leader and source of expertise across the organisation. WHAT YOU'LL DO (Duties) * Lead development of original research in the cutting edge of AI and ML (focusing on TRL 3 and above) in areas such as agentic AI, neuro-symbolic AI, reinforcement learning, physics informed neural networks, probabilistic reasoning, uncertainty quantification and machine learning. * Lead developing IP and capabilities for Digital Catapult in cutting-edge AI technologies through your technical work. * Lead developing partnership with academia and industry to act as a bridge between early TRL research and industrial application in collaboration with the R&D team at Digital Catapult. * Lead development of industrial R&D proposals for funding bodies such as Innovate UK, EPSRC, ARIA and Horizon Europe in collaboration with the R&D team at Digital Catapult * Be a key contributor to the development and execution of the AAIT Digital Catapult AI research strategy, contributing to the AI Technology Roadmap and Radar; own and define a research area and research plan for their area of expertise, working with and aligning with other parts of Digital Catapult who contribute to the research plan. * Participate in open innovation activities as an AI/ML expert, consulting with startups and corporates, including detailed technical consulting at times. ## Related Videos - [Guiding Agentic AI with Vue](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2033-guiding-agentic-ai-with-vue) - [ Secure Code Superstars: Empowering Developers and Surpassing Security Challenges Together](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/422-secure-code-superstars-empowering-developers-and-surpassing-security-challenges-together) - [Getting Started with Machine Learning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/260-getting-started-with-machine-learning) - [AI and Agility: The Dynamic Duo for Disruption](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2081-ai-and-agility-the-dynamic-duo-for-disruption) - [AI in Leadership: How Technology is Reshaping Executive Roles](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1705-ai-in-leadership-how-technology-is-reshaping-executive-roles) - [Geometric deep learning for drug discovery](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/264-geometric-deep-learning-for-drug-discovery) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [MLOps – What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/125-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it)