As a Lead Data Scientist, you will spearhead technical direction for business-critical national security projects, spanning UAV automation, computer vision, and LLMs. You will manage cross-functional teams and act as a trusted advisor to senior military stakeholders, architecting production-grade AI solutions that provide a genuine edge in contested environments and real-world high-stakes scenarios.
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Lead Data Scientist at Faculty
Are you ready to move beyond theoretical research and ship AI that genuinely shapes national security? We are looking for a Lead Data Scientist to join a world-class, PhD-heavy team working on high-stakes projects like UAV automation and OSINT with LLMs. Backed by the scale of a global leader, this role offers the autonomy to lead complex technical roadmaps for senior defense stakeholders. With a £130k base, unlimited leave, and a focus on responsible AI, you'll deliver solutions that provide the UK with a competitive edge in contested environments while growing your own technical leadership.
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Location
London, United Kingdom
Compensation
Up to £130k
Company
Faculty
Role overview
London, United KingdomGrowth (VC-backed)
Founded in 2014, Faculty is one of Europe’s leading applied AI companies. Our suite of AI services and products spans everything organisations need to access frontier AI and get it into the hands of their frontline teams to support their most important work. Widely recognised as a leader in AI safety, we work closely with the world’s leading AI labs, such as OpenAI and Anthropic, to ensure their latest models are safe, human-led and explainable.
Our expertise spans working with Boards, leadership teams and governments to develop a robust AI strategy, designing, building and implementing high-performing AI solutions, and equipping organisations with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the AI era. Our PhD-heavy team of deep AI experts has delivered hundreds of real-world AI projects to improve critical public services and drive sustained economic returns across every sector of the economy. Headquartered in London, Faculty remains founder-led and has since raised over £40m from investors including The Apax Digital Fund, LocalGlobe and GMG Ventures.
Backed by Apax Digital Fund, LocalGlobe, GMG Ventures, GMG Ventures LP, Jaan Tallinn, Mercuri.
What you will do
- Set the technical strategy for complex projects, balancing speed and innovation while delivering production-grade AI architectures.
- Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary squads, managing other managers to ensure technical excellence across the data science craft.
- Interface directly with senior defense stakeholders to scope ill-defined problems and translate high-level requirements into actionable technical roadmaps.
Who this is a fit for
- Deep expertise in machine learning domains such as Computer Vision, Signal Processing, or LLMs with a proven track record of shipping models.
- Extensive experience leading technical teams and managing commercial delivery within consulting, defense tech, or high-stakes product environments.
- Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and willing to travel to client sites 2-4 days per week across the UK.
Why this role is remarkable
- Deploy AI that matters by working on mission-critical national security challenges with the MOD, Dstl, and major aerospace partners.
- Join a PhD-heavy technical culture that prioritizes rigorous, responsible, and explainable AI over hype cycles, backed by the scale of a global leader.
- Enjoy a high-autonomy environment with exceptional benefits, including an unlimited annual leave policy and specialized coaching for mental well-being.
How Jack & Jill work together
I get to know what you’re great at, then find roles you’d never find yourself.Ok, I'll go first. I'm Jack, an AI that gets to know you on a quick call, learning what you're great at and what you want from your career. Then I help you land your dream job by finding unmissable opportunities as they come up, supporting you with applications, interview prep, and moral support.
I recruit from Jack’s network and make the intro when I spot a great match.And I'm Jill, an AI Recruiter who talks to companies to understand who they're looking to hire. Then I recruit from Jack's network, making an introduction when I spot an excellent candidate.
Jack gets to know what you're great at and what you want next, then searches 15 million jobs daily and helps you discover roles at companies like this.
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What happens next?
Jack’s an AI agent for job searching and career coaching. He works for you.
Jill is the AI recruiter working for the company. She recruits from Jack’s network.
If your profile’s a match and Faculty wants to meet, Jill will make the intro. In the meantime, Jack will send you excellent alternatives.