Computer Vision AI Data Scientist

PML Applications Ltd; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental research organization in Plymouth is seeking a Computer Vision and AI Scientist to advance machine learning for underwater species detection. Join a team working on the DeepVision project funded by the Bezos Earth Fund, and contribute to safeguarding marine ecosystems. Applicants should possess a relevant postgraduate degree and strong skills in computer vision and programming with Python. This hybrid role requires at least 50% time in the lab.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Diverse and inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Strong experience in computer vision, specifically segmentation and object detection.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-specialists.
• Passion for producing well-designed and documented code.

Responsibilities

• Develop and train Vision Transformer models for object detection in underwater imagery.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in marine science and AI.
• Build robust computer vision data pipelines.

Skills

Computer vision

Python proficiency

Enthusiasm for collaboration

Deep learning libraries (PyTorch, TensorFlow)

Education

Relevant postgraduate degree (Masters/PhD)

Tools

Linux systems

High-Performance Computing

Docker and Singularity

Job description

Location Plymouth | Hybrid | Vacancy Type Open Ended | Appointment | Application Deadline Monday, January 12, 2026 | Salary £36963 - £46635 DOE

Job Summary

Are you passionate about applying cutting‑edge AI to solve real‑world environmental challenges? Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is seeking a talented Computer Vision and AI Scientist to join our growing Environmental Intelligence Group, working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and ocean science.

This is your chance to contribute to projects that matter – advancing machine learning for underwater species detection and helping protect marine ecosystems worldwide.

You will play a key role in DeepVision, a project funded by the Bezos Earth Fund, developing state‑of‑the‑art Vision Transformer models for underwater imagery. Your work will directly support global efforts to understand and safeguard marine biodiversity.

Beyond the DeepVision project, you’ll have opportunities to:

• Drive innovation in AI for environmental science.
• Collaborate across disciplines – from biology and chemistry to social science and computer science.
• Shape new research directions and applications in AI/ML.

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is a global leader in marine research, dedicated to delivering cutting‑edge environmental science that supports a healthy and sustainable ocean. The Environmental Intelligence Group combines expertise in marine ecosystem and process modelling, data science, and artificial intelligence to advance understanding of marine systems. The group takes an interdisciplinary, whole‑systems approach, integrating physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, and AI, to explore the impacts and values of marine environments from coastal waters to the deep ocean and polar regions. By providing trusted, evidence‑based insights, the team enables informed decision‑making across marine policy, management, and industry, helping to achieve national and international sustainability goals and reinforcing PML’s leadership in ocean action.

Key Deliverables

• Develop and train Vision Transformer models for object detection in underwater imagery.
• Build robust computer vision data pipelines and ensure best practices in software and data management.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across marine science and AI.
• Innovate new AI/ML approaches to advance environmental understanding.

Skills Specification

• Strong experience in computer vision (segmentation, object detection) across diverse problem areas.
• Relevant postgraduate degree (Masters/PhD) around applied AI/ML or equivalent industry experience.
• An enthusiasm for working with others to solve problems.
• Proficiency in Python and deep learning libraries (PyTorch, TensorFlow, HuggingFace).
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non‑specialists.
• Passion for producing well designed and documented code, and collaborative problem solving.
• The following skills would also be beneficial:
  • Use of Linux systems for Data Science tasks
  • Experience in underwater imagery
  • High‑Performance Computing experience using multiple GPUs, including resource management software, such as Slurm
  • Containerisation technologies such as Docker and Singularity
  • Python Environment management experience such as conda, uv or env

Applicant Information

Interviews for this position will be held durning the first week of February - exact date TBC.

You can find out more about working at PML here and view ourcompany benefitshere.

For more information about living and working in Plymouth please click here.

If you require a visa to work in the UK please click here for more information.

Please note that this position is a Hybrid role that will require at least 50% of the jobholder’s time to be spent in our Lab. We are not able to support fully remote working for this role.

If you haveany questions about this position pleaseemail [e-mail] .

PML is a Disability Confident employer, and we have recently attained the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture, where all can succeed based on merit, and will provide any reasonable adjustments required to enable this. To support staff from all backgrounds, we offer a range of family friendly and inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and staff engagement forums.