Research Specialist in Data Science, AI & Machine Learning

Job Description

Recruiter: Mark Thomas

Hiring Manager: Robert Hercock

Career Grade: D

Internal Closing Date: 07/07/2023

About the role

The Research Specialist in Data Science and Machine Learning will help create agentic AI systems using Python and large language models to support cybersecurity research projects. This role focuses on developing research prototypes, exploring new approaches in AI and Machine Learning, and contributing original thinking that can be applied to innovation work supporting BT Security.

The position is suited to someone who enjoys cutting-edge research and wants to work on genuinely exploratory problems rather than purely development-led tasks. The successful candidate will work closely with a small research team to turn ideas into practical prototype outputs, while contributing to a broader programme focused on transforming security-related capabilities through innovation.

This role can be based in Ipswich or Bristol and our hybrid working model means you are expected to be in the office 3 days per week.

About the team
We value curiosity, creativity, and original thinking in our research environment. This is a team for people who are motivated by the opportunity to explore new ideas, test emerging technologies, and contribute to meaningful innovation.
You will be part of a collaborative setting where small teams work closely together on challenging problems, with a strong focus on learning, experimentation, and delivering research that can create value for the wider business. We welcome people who enjoy combining technical depth with practical impact and who want to contribute to a culture shaped by innovation, teamwork, and continuous discovery.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will work on cutting-edge research work with the opportunity to do original, creative thinking rather than standard development. You will have the ability to file patents and publish papers as part of this role.

In addition, will have the opportunity to work on genuine research that delivers measurable innovation and value to BT Security. You will also have access to interesting, novel problems in AI and machine learning applied to cybersecurity.

• Design and develop research prototypes using data science, machine learning, Python, and large language models.
• Support the creation of agentic AI systems for cybersecurity-focused research initiatives.
• Work within a small research team to investigate new methods, test concepts, and refine prototype solutions.
• Contribute original ideas that support innovation for BT Security and related research outcomes.
• Translate research findings into clear outputs that can inform internal stakeholders and future work.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the wider team to help deliver research projects from concept through to evaluation.
• Stay informed on developments in AI, machine learning, and large language models relevant to the role.
• Contribute to activities such as papers, patents, and other research outputs where appropriate.

Essential Skills / Experience

• Experience in AI, machine learning, and data science relevant to applied research environments.
• Strong Python coding skills.
• Knowledge of large language models and their practical application.
• Interest in, or exposure to, cybersecurity as an application area.

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Advanced academic background in an AI-related or similar field, or equivalent practical experience in research or industry.
• Ability to work on open-ended problems that require creative thinking, experimentation, and analytical judgement.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to discuss technical ideas clearly with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience in industrial research is useful, though we encourage applications from candidates from university or with a postdoctoral research backgrounds

Our Package

Tailored benefits make a real difference. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range to support your growth, wellbeing, and everyday life.

You can design the package to suit you and your lifestyle. Your core benefits include:

• 10% on target annual bonus
• Access to an online private GP 24/7 for you and your immediate family
• Market-leading paid carers leave with up to 2 weeks off
• Equalized maternity, paternity, and adoption leave – 18 weeks’ full pay and 8 weeks’ half pay
• Discounted EE and BT products, including mobile and broadband
• Market leading Pension scheme – 5% from you and 10% from us
• Holiday purchase scheme

BT Group is the UK’s leading communications group and the holding company behind some of the country’s most recognised brands – including BT, EE, Openreach and Plusnet. Our purpose is as simple as it is ambitious: we connect for good. Our customers include consumers, small, medium and large businesses, public sector organisations and other communications providers.

BT Group’s role is about setting direction, unlocking value and creating the conditions for our brands and businesses to thrive.

Having come through the most capital-intensive phase of our fibre investment, our focus now is on what comes next – simplifying how we operate, using technology and AI to work smarter, and organising ourselves to serve customers better and grow sustainably. Group teams shape strategy, policy, brand, capital allocation and transformation, helping the whole organisation perform at its best.

We have a singular culture that unites all our people: we are customer-first challengers, who are committed, clear and connected. These behaviours unite us as one team to deliver for our colleagues, our customers, our stakeholders and the country. Joining BT Group means working at the heart of a business that matters to the UK, with the opportunity to shape decisions, influence outcomes and help set the future course of one of the country’s most important companies.