AI/ML Engineer

AI/ML Engineer
Location: London (Hybrid - 3 days/week onsite in London)
Contract Type: Full-time, Contract (5 days/week), Initial 6-12 month contract
Start Date: ASAP

Overview:
I'm working with a well-backed, mission-driven innovation organisation that is building a new team focused on rethinking how research and discovery happen-with the help of cutting-edge AI tools. They operate at the intersection of technology, science, and innovation policy, and are setting up a fast-moving, experimental team to prototype AI tools that could shape how scientific and technological ideas are created, developed, and funded. This is a rare opportunity to join an early-stage initiative within an ambitious, future-focused environment that values experimentation, impact, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The Role:
As an AI/ML Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing and building early-stage AI tools that support:

• Research ideation
• Programme generation
• Funding opportunity selection

You'll be working in a fast-paced, highly experimental environment, directly alongside a visionary CTO and other deeply technical collaborators. The work is exploratory and research-oriented, focused on speed and learning-not production software.
You'll get to:

• Rapidly prototype AI-driven tools using Python and modern LLM APIs (OpenAI, Gemini, Azure AI, etc.)
• Experiment with agent-based and multi-agent system architectures
• Explore how AI can support hybrid human/digital research teams
• Operate in a small, flexible, high-trust team where new ideas are welcomed

What We're Looking For Core Skills & Experience

• Strong Python programming skills
• Experience working with LLM APIs (e.g. OpenAI, Gemini, Azure AI)
• Ability to build working AI prototypes and iterate quickly
• Understanding of Agentic AI concepts or multi-agent systems
• Background in Computer Science or related technical field

Mindset & Approach

• Thrives in ambiguity and enjoys solving open-ended problems
• Research-oriented, but driven by real-world impact
• Enjoys working collaboratively in a small, mission-driven team
• Fast learner with a growth mindset

Bonus Points For

• PhD or Master's in a technical or scientific field
• Experience in research environments (academic, commercial, or government)
• Passion for scientific innovation and discovery

The Environment

• Full-time (5 days/week), contract-based
• Hybrid setup: onsite in London 3 days/week (Tues-Thurs)
• Close collaboration with senior leadership and mission-aligned peers
• Culture of "build, learn, repeat"-fast cycles of exploration and learning

Why This Role? This is not a typical AI engineering job. You'll be helping shape how the next generation of research is conceived and enabled-with the freedom to test bold ideas in an environment that values experimentation over perfection. If you're excited by the prospect of building tools that redefine how science happens, this is the role for you.