Principal Applied AI Engineer

To submit an application, you will need to provide an up to date CV. We would also like you to submit a 500 word personal statement. Please ensure your CV and personal statement demonstrates how you meet the following criteria:

• Proficiency in Python and experience with the full data science and machine learning stack (Pandas, Numpy, PyTorch, Langchain, Pydantic).
• Strong software engineering skills with a focus on building robust, production ready systems and understanding of deploying and monitoring such systems in a cloud environment.
• Experience with natural language processing, deep learning and generative AI including prompt engineering.
• Passion for building AI that augments human capabilities and improves citizen’s lives.
• Minimum of a PhD or MSc in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science or technically equivalent subject.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be undertaken the lead Behaviour, Working Together.

Assessment and interview process

Your application will be reviewed by a panel. If you have been shortlisted, you will be invited to complete a technical assessment.

Technical assessment

Candidates will be sent through a problem and asked to solve it. You will present your solution technical panel for 30 minutes. We are looking to understand your thought process and hands-on experience.

If you pass the technical assessment, the final stage will be an interview where you will be asked questions on behaviours:

• Working together

• Seeing the Big Picture, 

• Delivering at pace 

• Making Effective Decisions and 

• Communicating & Influencing

Candidates that do not pass the interview but have demonstrated an acceptable standard may be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.

Depending on the amount of application we get there might be an additional technical assessment.

Expected timeline (subject to change)

Expected sift date – 18th December 2023

Technical assessment – 1st-8th January 2024

Expected interview date/s – 15th January 2024

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. 

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: 

• Contact Government Recruitment Service via cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. 
• Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Further information

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘contact point for applicants’ section.

Please note that this role requires SC clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.

Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.

Any move to Cabinet Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. 

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. 

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

Please note, these roles are for Cabinet Office. The GDS Recruitment team is supporting with the recruitment process.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact Government Recruitment Service at: cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: info@csc.gov.uk.
For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.