AI/ML Research Project Lead

Summary

Join HALO Trust, the world's largest humanitarian mine action NGO, as a Machine Learning Specialist for a 12-month fixed-term contract. Based in the UK (hybrid or fully remote), you will lead a project applying AI/ML to humanitarian demining, using HALO's extensive remote sensing data. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to saving lives and restoring communities affected by conflict. The project involves evaluating machine learning models, improving workflows, developing evaluation protocols, and engaging with stakeholders. You will report findings to donors and collaborate with the R&D team to identify new AI applications. The position requires strong AI/ML expertise, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to travel internationally.

Requirements

• Demonstrated competence in AI/ML sufficient to critically assess and evaluate technical solutions for real-world applications. This may be evidenced through hands-on experience, academic research, or a strong understanding of relevant methodologies and evaluation techniques
• Strong technical understanding of AI/ML and associated models
• Knowledge of trends and developments in relevant technologies
• Ability to analyse complex problems and develop creative solutions
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, and able to work with minimal supervision at times
• Ability to separate fact from fiction in a rapidly evolving AI landscape; bringing a critical eye to hype, claims, and emerging technologies to ensure practical, evidence-based decision-making
• A strong communicator who can work effectively with multi-national teams
• Strong writing skills (in English) for producing reports and updates
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Trello etc)
• Enjoy technology and is curious to learn
• Willing to travel internationally as part of project collaboration and field engagement, including visits to HALO’s global programmes

Responsibilities

• Model Evaluation and Benchmarking
• Conduct rigorous evaluation of machine learning models using HALO’s existing datasets
• Design and implement standardized evaluation protocols and benchmarking frameworks
• Document evaluation methodologies for both internal stakeholders and external partners
• Model Improvement and Workflow Optimization
• Collaborate with partners and leverage existing tools to enhance ML model performance and operational workflows
• Identify and implement improvements in data pipelines, model training, and deployment processes
• Documentation and Best Practices
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for tools, workflows, and data management practices (e.g., labelling standards, data storage protocols)
• Establish and promote best practices for the use and maintenance of ML systems
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Engage with end-users to gather feedback and assess the practical value of ML tools and outputs
• Liaise with external partners to coordinate data sharing, workflow integration, and technology alignment
• Represent HALO in the GICHD Innovation Technical Group (ITG), contributing to the development of standardized testing and evaluation protocols for AI models
• Participate in discussions with prospective AI partners, respond to inquiries, and support partnership development
• Reporting and Strategic Development
• Prepare detailed reports on ML activities, findings, and outcomes for internal and external dissemination
• Collaborate with the R&D team to identify and scope new AI use cases (e.g., computer vision for multispectral imagery, operational data mining)
• Systems Integration and Compliance
• Work closely with HALO’s Information Systems department to ensure integration of ML solutions with existing systems
• Adhere to HALO’s IT policies, procedures, and security standards

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Non-contributory Life Assurance (3 x salary)
• Private medical health cover
• Emergency medical insurance when travelling overseas
• Workplace Pension with up to 5% contributions matched by HALO
• Occupational Health services including physiotherapy support and counselling support
• Flexible working policy