AI & Data, Operational Intelligence Scientist

The AI Data, Operational Intelligence Scientists role applies 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., You will act as a recognised subject matter expert in intelligence, data science, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, providing authoritative advice and guidance to MOD customers, Defence Intelligence and wider Government stakeholders.

You will lead the delivery of complex analytical, scientific and technical activities, ensuring outputs are aligned with Defence and National Security priorities and customer requirements.

You will shape, influence and contribute to technical, capability and business planning activities, identifying future opportunities, risks and investment priorities., This vacancy is using Success Profiles , 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 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 between 7th December and 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.

You will possess a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques relevant to data science, analytics and artificial intelligence; applying mathematical reasoning to solve complex problems, develop models and support analytical decision making.

You will understand systems thinking, decision science methodologies and assurance principles.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of supporting evidence-based decision making through structured analysis, risk assessment, evaluation and the application of appropriate assurance frameworks.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of applying software engineering principles and best practices throughout the development lifecycle. Understands software architecture, version control, testing methodologies, code quality standards and continuous integration/deployment approaches.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of proficiency in developing, maintaining and debugging software solutions using one or more programming languages such as Python, Rust or Java. Understands programming concepts including object-oriented design, data structures, algorithms and software development frameworks., A Bachelor?s or higher Degree, or Equivalent, in a STEM subject., * 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, 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 .

£51,568 - £58,044 Salary will be dependent on skills and experience

This role may benefit from our new skill-set allowance. If you possess a specialist skill-set required at Dstl, you may benefit from additional monetary allowance in addition to your salary ? a handy bonus for your craft! (£1,000-£4,500 per annum). This allowance is payable just 3-months from joining. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP, Alongside your salary of £51,568, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £14,939 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides ., 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.