Junior Machine Learning Research Engineer - 5783

Cambridge University Press Ltd.; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational publisher in the UK is seeking a Junior Machine Learning Research Engineer to enhance AI-driven learning solutions. This role involves developing and maintaining scalable AI systems in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a strong background in programming, machine learning frameworks, and data analysis, along with a passion for AI innovation. Competitive salary and flexible working conditions offered.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Group personal pension scheme

Life assurance up to 4 x annual salary

Green travel schemes

Qualifications

• Passion for AI-driven innovation and the ability to turn ideas into scalable solutions.
• Strong understanding of model evaluation and error analysis.
• Commitment to continuous learning in AI techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, and maintain scalable AI solutions.
• Optimize and modularize models for performance.
• Collaborate with teams to transform capabilities into product features.
• Stay updated on AI trends to enhance company positioning.
• Plan and manage tasks aligned with business objectives.

Skills

Programming in Python

Shell scripting

Model training and deployment

Data analysis

Excellent communication skills

Education

First class Bachelor's or Master's degree in machine learning or AI/computer science

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Job description

Job Title: Junior Machine Learning Research Engineer

Salary: £40,830 - £53,085

Location: Cambridge - Triangle/Hybrid (2 days per week in the office)

Contract: Full Time/Permanent (35 hours per week)

Shape the future of AI-powered learning solutions with Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

This is an exciting opportunity for two Junior Machine Learning Research Engineers to join our innovative Applied AI team. You'll contribute to developing, deploying, and maintaining cutting‑edge AI capabilities that drive the success of Cambridge English's products and services.

We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world‑leading academic publisher and assessment organization and a proud part of the University of Cambridge.

About the Role

As a Junior Machine Learning Research Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and advancing AI‑powered solutions that enhance Cambridge English products. Your expertise will contribute to the continuous improvement of existing models and the development of cutting‑edge technologies that address future business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Help develop, deploy, and maintain scalable AI‑powered solutions for Cambridge English products.
• Optimize and modularize models for reusability and performance.
• Collaborate with product, validation, and business teams to transform capabilities into impactful product features.
• Stay at the forefront of AI and machine learning trends to position Cambridge as a leader in AI‑driven assessment and learning.
• Plan, prioritize, and manage own tasks aligned with business objectives.

About You

To thrive in this role, you'll have a passion for AI‑driven innovation and the ability to turn ideas into scalable solutions.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• First class Bachelor's or Master's degree (or equivalent qualifications and experience) in machine learning or AI/computer science with a substantial machine learning component.
• Excellent programming skills in languages such as Python and shell scripting with a strong focus on code optimization, modular design, and efficiency.
• Demonstrable experience in developing, training, and deploying models using frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• Strong understanding of data analysis, model evaluation, and error analysis to drive continuous model improvement.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to continuous learning, staying current with state‑of‑the‑art research and applying emerging AI techniques

Desirable

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in Agile/Scrum teams and contribute to cross‑functional projects. Industry experience in applying ML to real‑world problems.
• Experience applying machine learning to educational assessment and learning solutions.
• Hands‑on experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) or foundation models, including fine‑tuning and adapting models for specific, production‑level applications.
• Knowledge of software DevOps practices, including experience with CI/CD pipelines, containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud deployment on platforms like AWS.
• PhD (or equivalent qualifications and experience) in machine learning or AI/computer science
• Exposure to research‑oriented work or contributions to open‑source projects in the AI domain.
• Internship experience in AI/ML
• Experience in contributing to patents, or academic papers related to ML.

Rewards and Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Group personal pension scheme
• Life assurance up to 4 x annual salary
• Green travel schemes

We also offer flexible and hybrid working options from day one. We will consider any work arrangements if you wish to work flexibly or require adjustments due to a disability.

Ready to pursue potential? Apply now.

To maintain a fair recruitment process, applications will only be accepted via our online careers page. Applications emailed directly to the recruiter may not be received by the hiring team.

We review applications on an ongoing basis, with a closing date for all applications being 5th January 2026, although we may close it earlier if suitable candidates are identified. Interviews are scheduled to take place as deemed suitable after the closing date.

Please note that successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks, including a DBS check, due to working in a regulated industry.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is an approved UK employer for the sponsorship of eligible roles and applicants under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please refer to the gov.uk website for guidance to understand your own eligibility based on the role you are applying for.

Why join us

Joining us is your opportunity to pursue potential. You'll belong to a collaborative team that's exploring new and better ways to serve students, teachers, and researchers across the globe—for the benefit of individuals, society, and the world. Sharing our mission will inspire your own growth, development, and progress in an environment that embraces difference, change, and aspiration.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is committed to being a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, where everyone has a voice, and where we learn continuously to improve together. Ensuring that everyone feels they belong is essential to who we are and to the contribution we make to society and our planet.

We believe better outcomes come through diversity of thought, background, and approach. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities, actively seeking to employ people from a wide range of different communities.