20/10/2026
Online Safety Group
Principal
Permanent
Please note this role will close at 00.01 on Tuesday 20 October so we advise making your application by midnight on Monday 19 October.
As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other.
Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. We’re also taking on the challenge of making the online world a safer place. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.
The Online Safety Technology team conducts research and builds Ofcom’s technical understanding of technologies fundamental to online safety. This includes artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital identity, privacy-enhancing technologies, decentralisation, user experience, gaming, network infrastructure and digital forensics.
The team provides independent technical expertise and advice to policy, supervision and enforcement colleagues across the Online Safety Group and wider Ofcom. It works across disciplines to test assumptions, evaluate evidence, anticipate emerging risks and translate complex technologies into practical regulatory insight.
We are looking for a technically authoritative and strategically minded Principal AI & Machine Learning Technologist to lead Ofcom’s technical thinking on AI and machine learning as they relate to online safety.
The postholder will set direction for major programmes of technical work, act as a principal adviser to senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams, and lead the assessment of AI systems used by regulated services. They will turn complex and sometimes incomplete evidence into clear, proportionate and technically robust advice that supports policy development, supervision, enforcement and regulatory decision-making.
The role will shape Ofcom’s longer-term approach to AI governance, Responsible AI and AI assurance; build organisational capability through leadership, mentoring and knowledge sharing; and represent Ofcom credibly with industry, academia, government, standards bodies and international regulators.
This role may require the postholder to view, assess or discuss harmful, distressing or otherwise sensitive online content, material and themes in the course of technical research, evidence assessment or regulatory work. Ofcom seeks to minimise unnecessary exposure and provides safeguards and support for colleagues undertaking this work.
Lead major AI and machine learning work programmes, setting direction and aligning delivery with Online Safety and wider organisational priorities.
Act as a trusted technical adviser, translating complex evidence into clear, proportionate recommendations for senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
Apply sound judgement under uncertainty, identifying key risks, challenging assumptions and advising on practical ways forward.
Lead the assessment of AI systems, models and technical evidence, evaluating effectiveness, robustness, fairness, transparency, safety and accountability.
Shape approaches to AI governance, Responsible AI, AI assurance and model evaluation, drawing on relevant research, standards and industry practice.
Oversee evaluation methods, testing approaches and technical tools, ensuring evidence is interpreted appropriately and limitations are understood.
Lead technical research, horizon scanning and analysis of emerging AI capabilities, risks and regulatory challenges.
Produce high-quality technical papers, briefings and recommendations that inform policy, strategy and regulatory decision-making.
Drive delivery across complex work programmes, managing priorities, risks and resources in a changing environment.
Represent Ofcom in technical forums and engagements with industry, government, academia, standards bodies and regulators.
Build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders through clear communication, credible expertise and evidence-based arguments.
Contribute thought leadership on AI governance, assurance, transparency, safety and the responsible use of AI.
Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams through coaching, mentoring, feedback and knowledge sharing.
Build capability across the organisation, promoting effective collaboration, continuous learning and inclusive ways of working.
Create accountability for delivery while empowering colleagues to contribute their expertise and achieve shared outcomes.
To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:
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 considere.
At Ofcom, our mission is clear: to make communications work for everyone. To achieve that, our people must reflect the diversity of the UK, in background, identity and experience.
We believe innovation thrives when difference is valued and everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives. That’s why we welcome colleagues of all ethnicities and races, sexes, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, faiths and beliefs, and those with apparent and non‑apparent disabilities. We value socio‑economic diversity, life experience and neurodiversity too. Whether you’re a carer, a parent, a veteran, or re‑entering work after time away, your voice and perspective matter here.
Flexibility is at the heart of how we work because we want you to thrive in a way that suits you best. Most roles can therefore be adapted for part‑time hours, job shares, or other flexible arrangements. Learn more about our Rewards, Benefits and Wellbeing on our careers page.
Our recruitment process is intentionally designed to be open and accessible. If you need adjustments, information in a different format or an alternative way to apply, contact us at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or 0330 912 1378.
As a proud Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role. You can read more about this commitment here.
Whoever you are, whatever your story, you belong at Ofcom.
Ofcom is the UK's communications regulator.
We make sure people get the best from their home phone and mobile services, as well as keeping an eye on TV, radio and on-demand content. We also ensure people don’t get scammed and are protected from bad practice.
We also oversee the universal postal service, and the airwaves used by wireless devices.
Right now, technology is changing how people work, interact and enjoy themselves. Much of our work is focused on making sure everybody has access to the communications technology they need and that competition can thrive.
