AI/ML Research Project Lead

Contract: Full Time, 12-Month fixed term contract

Location: UK Based (hybrid or fully remote) with frequent trips to HALO International programmes

Salary: Circa £60,000 per annum

Reports to: Head of Research and Development

About HALO:

The HALO Trust is the world’s largest and oldest international humanitarian mine action non-government organisation (NGO). For over thirty years, we have been saving lives and helping war-torn communities recover, by making their land safe. Our mission is to protect lives and restore the livelihoods of those affected by conflict.

HALO is known for its work to clear landmines, but we also lead on dealing with unexploded ordnance, from bullets to aircraft bombs, and we educate communities to keep them safe. In addition, we build safe arms stores and systems for securing guns. HALO was established in Afghanistan in 1988 and now employs over 12,000 staff in 30 countries and territories.

About the role:

The HALO Trust is running a project to explore the application of emerging sensing technologies and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) to the problem of humanitarian demining. HALO already makes extensive use of remote sensing data to support its operations, particularly in Ukraine, and has a large amount of data available for machine learning applications. HALO has also worked with multiple partners to test machine learning technologies.

We are hiring a full-time machine learning specialist for 12 months to lead this piece of work. This role offers a rare opportunity to apply cutting-edge AI research to real-world challenges, directly contributing to saving lives and restoring communities affected by conflict.

This project will be focused on the following themes:

• Evaluation of the performance of machine learning approaches and models using real field data from UAV remote sensing and actual minefield clearance data.
• Application of machine learning to fusion of data from multiple sensors.
• Development of evaluation protocols and best practices that can inform national and international collaboration and standards.
• Exploring the potential applications of machine learning to other tasks in Humanitarian Mine Action, including processing hand-held detector data.
• The project will include the writing of a report for the donor.

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.

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.

Skills and Attributes:

• 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.
• Note: We encourage you to apply even if you don't have all the listed requirements, skills and attributes.

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

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and supporting statement (no more than one page) detailing why you are suitable for this role, before the closing date for applications which is 29th June 2025. If there is a sufficient calibre of applicants, we reserve the right to close the role earlier than the date noted.

The HALO Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. The HALO Trust is committed to a culture that is both diverse and inclusive and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people form a diverse candidate pool.