AI Research Analyst (R&D)

Move beyond delivery work into structured R&D where your technical insights directly influence strategic technology decisions. You'll explore cutting-edge AI and automation technologies, build evidence-based recommendations, and help define our innovation roadmap.

We're building a disciplined R&D capability to explore emerging technologies, validate new approaches, and feed high-quality innovation into our Product and Engineering teams.

As our AI Research Engineer / Analyst (R&D), you'll generate the technical evidence that supports strategic decisions. You'll research AI and automation technologies, evaluate vendors and tools, build timeboxed proofs of concept in Python and/or C# (accomplished coding skills required, but this is not a "developer" role), and produce clear, decision-ready outputs.

This is not a BAU delivery role. It's structured, evidence-led innovation.

You'll report functionally to the Head of R&D, with day-to-day coaching from the Senior R&D Engineer.

Salary: £45K - £50K Basic + Bonus + Benefits (25 days holiday, 7% matched pension scheme, private health plan, flexible holiday purchase, remote or hybrid working & much more!)

Location: North East. Hybrid office work / flexible. Durham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, etc. Although, we are very flexible to this, so more remote fine. As far down as Leeds or the other way & up toward Edinburgh!

• Scan the market for emerging AI, orchestration, and automation technologies
• Conduct structured vendor and platform evaluations
• Assess technical fit, integration complexity, security posture, cost, and viability
• Stay current with LLMs, AI APIs, frameworks, and cloud services
• Produce concise evidence packs and recommendation summaries

• Build lightweight PoCs to validate APIs and technical hypotheses
• Explore AI capabilities practically (model behaviour, integration patterns, performance limits)
• Contribute Python and/or C# code under technical direction

Focus: validation and insight - not production-grade implementation.

• Own R&D documentation, decision logs, and handover packs
• Maintain backlog discipline and enforce stage-gate standards
• Ensure findings are captured clearly and nothing falls through the cracks

Essential

• 2+ years in a technical analyst, research, or solutions-focused role
• Hands-on coding ability in Python and/or C# (We need some here, but you'll work with the Senior R&D engineer who will guide you on coding)
• Practical understanding of AI/ML landscape (LLMs, APIs, strengths & limitations)
• Strong analytical thinking and structured evaluation skills
• Excellent written communication - clear, concise, decision-ready outputs
• Self-directed working style with confident stakeholder engagement
• Familiarity with workflow orchestration / BPMN fundamentals

Desirable

• Experience building AI-integrated applications
• API and cloud platform exposure
• Vendor/technology selection experience
• Knowledge of process automation or orchestration platforms

Within your first 90 days, you will have:

• Contributed to live evidence packs
• Helped standardise R&D evaluation templates
• Supported an initiative through to handover-ready recommendation

Longer term, success is measured by the clarity, quality, and adoption of your R&D outputs.

• Direct exposure to cutting-edge AI and automation
• Real influence over technology decisions
• Clear progression into Senior R&D or specialist AI roles
• Close collaboration with Architecture, Engineering, and Product

We're looking for curiosity and rigour in equal measure - someone excited by emerging AI, but disciplined enough to separate signal from noise.

Ready to shape our AI innovation strategy? Apply now and help us turn emerging technology into competitive advantage.