Research Scientist – Knowledge & Semantics Location: Chelmsford | Hybrid (2 days onsite) | Salary ~£70,000 10% bonus | SC Clearable A specialist technology consultancy is seeking a Research Scientist – Knowledge & Semantics to lead a small team of experts exploring cutting-edge AI solutions across knowledge representation, NLP, LLMs, and graph-based machine learning. The organisation plays a pivotal role in delivering advanced research for secure government and national security clients, often operating at the intersection of AI, autonomy, cyber, and complex systems. About the Opportunity You’ll head up a 4-person Knowledge & Semantics research group within a wider AI & Machine Learning capability (35 scientists and engineers) that works across domains such as reinforcement learning, computer vision, signal processing, geospatial data, and applied machine intelligence. This is a hands-on research leadership role where you'll guide technical direction, shape R&D proposals, and deliver demonstrators and publications. You’ll also be involved in collaborating with top-tier academic institutions and SMEs on mission-led innovation in data and decision support systems. Key Responsibilities • Drive applied and novel research in knowledge representation, semantics, and graph-based ML • Lead the delivery of technical reports, research proposals, and PoC demonstrators • Mentor junior researchers and manage technical delivery across projects • Present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences • Engage with external collaborators, including academia and innovation partners About You • PhD (ideally in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or related field) 4 years post-doctoral or industry R&D experience • Strong experience leading small R&D teams (ideally 5 people) • Demonstrated success in writing and winning technical research proposals (especially within Defence or public sector R&D environments) • Advanced skills in Python and ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) • Deep experience in one or more of the following: o Knowledge graphs & graph ML (e.g. PyTorch-Geometric, Neo4j) o NLP and information extraction (transformer-based models desirable) o Semantic reasoning, ontology development, or LLM-based applications • Experience with Cypher, SQL, or similar query languages is desirable Why Apply? This is an opportunity to lead high-impact research that supports the UK’s national capability in data science and AI. You'll work in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary setting—where innovation is actively funded and your contributions can directly influence the next generation of AI-powered tools for decision making and intelligence support. Hybrid working is offered, with typically 2 days onsite in Chelmsford. You'll join a forward-thinking team of researchers operating at the forefront of secure, applied AI. Interested? Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation. This is a rare chance to lead next-gen AI research in an environment where your ideas will directly contribute to national innovation. For further information, feel free to reach me at 02895213213, or simply apply! Reference: AMC/RKI