Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
As the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom plays a vital role in keeping the UK connected and shaping the future of communications. The AI & Machine Learning Principal will join the Online Safety Technology team, which conducts research and builds Ofcom’s technical understanding of technologies fundamental to online safety, including AI, machine learning, digital identity, privacy-enhancing technologies, decentralisation, and more.

This role involves leading Ofcom’s technical thinking on AI and machine learning as they relate to online safety. You will set direction for major technical programmes, act as a principal adviser to senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams, and lead the assessment of AI systems used by regulated services. You will translate complex and sometimes incomplete evidence into clear, proportionate, and technically robust advice supporting policy development, supervision, enforcement, and regulatory decision-making.

The role also involves shaping Ofcom’s longer-term approach to AI governance, Responsible AI, and AI assurance; building organisational capability through leadership, mentoring, and knowledge sharing; and representing Ofcom with industry, academia, government, standards bodies, and international regulators.

Please note this role may require viewing or assessing harmful or sensitive online content as part of technical research or regulatory work. Ofcom provides safeguards and support to minimise unnecessary exposure.

Experience
- Deep expertise in AI and machine learning, with substantial knowledge in areas such as Responsible AI, AI assurance, model evaluation, generative AI, agentic AI, recommender systems, automated content classification, or online trust and safety.
- Strong understanding of AI governance and risk-management frameworks, model evaluation methodologies, and the strengths and limitations of common technical evidence.
- Experience assessing AI systems for effectiveness, fairness, robustness, transparency, accountability, safety, and societal impact.
- Proven track record of independently setting direction and leading significant technical projects or programmes in complex environments.
- Ability to apply sound judgement under uncertainty, identify critical questions, weigh evidence, manage risk, and recommend proportionate ways forward.
- Influences senior stakeholders and decision-makers through credible expertise, strong reasoning, and persuasive communication.
- Experience developing others through coaching, mentoring, feedback, and knowledge sharing.
- Demonstrable ability to lead rigorous technical research and produce clear, evidence-based analysis and recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience representing an organisation externally and building effective relationships with government, regulators, industry, academia, civil society, or standards organisations.
- Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively, invite challenge and diversity of thought, and maintain independence and impartiality.

About you
Strategically minded and technically authoritative, you are comfortable leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex work programmes. You thrive in dynamic environments, balancing technical rigour with practical regulatory insight. You are committed to fostering inclusive and accountable ways of working and are passionate about building organisational capability and influencing positive change in AI governance and online safety.

Qualifications
A PhD, MSc or equivalent in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence or a related discipline. Candidates with equivalent demonstrable expertise, leadership experience and specialist knowledge will also be considered.