Anson McCade
Lead AI Researcher

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Lead AI Researcher
Lead AI Researcher Location: Chelmsford, Essex Salary: Up to £85,000 Working Pattern: Hybrid (2-3 days onsite)
A leading organisation within the defence and advanced technology sector is seeking a Lead AI Researcher to play a key role in shaping the future direction of artificial intelligence research and development.
This is an opportunity for an experienced AI leader to drive technical innovation across a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge projects, working alongside highly skilled researchers, engineers and industry specialists. The successful candidate will help define research strategy, lead complex programmes and provide technical leadership across multiple AI disciplines.
Current areas of focus include Large Language Models, Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning, Knowledge Graphs, Computer Vision, Remote Sensing, Autonomous Systems and AI applications within complex sensing environments.
Key Responsibilities: • Lead the technical delivery of large-scale AI research and development programmes • Define and guide research activities across strategically important technology areas • Oversee the production of technical reports, proposals and customer-facing deliverables • Provide technical assurance across projects, bids and research outputs • Engage with customers, stakeholders and academic partners to identify future opportunities • Mentor and support the development of junior researchers and engineers • Present complex technical concepts to both specialist and non-technical audiences • Contribute to the growth and direction of AI capability within the wider organisation
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Key Requirements: • PhD in a relevant scientific, engineering or technical discipline • Approximately 10 years or more experience within AI, Machine Learning or related research environments • Previous experience leading R&D teams and technical programmes • Strong track record of delivering advanced AI solutions within industry or academia • Experience providing engineering or technical assurance across projects and deliverables • Demonstrable proposal writing and bid support experience • Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence technical direction


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Experience in one or more of the following areas would be particularly beneficial: • Large Language Models and Generative AI • Natural Language Processing • Reinforcement Learning • Knowledge Graphs and Graph Neural Networks • Computer Vision and Image Analytics • Remote Sensing Technologies • Autonomous Systems • AI applications for radar, sonar, RF or electronic sensing environments
Additional experience publishing research papers, contributing to conferences or collaborating with academic institutions would be highly advantageous.
This role would suit a technically credible AI leader looking to combine hands-on innovation with strategic influence, helping to deliver next-generation capabilities in some of the most challenging and complex technology domains.
For further information feel free to reach me at 02895213213, or simply apply! Reference: AMC/RKI
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