12 Fast-growing jobs in the UK you’ve never heard of

Algorithmic bias auditor

AI is now widely used in hiring, finance, healthcare, and criminal justice. While these systems are efficient, many have shown a serious problem: bias. Because AI learns from historical data, it can reinforce human discrimination patterns based on race, gender, age, or income.

New laws are stepping in to address this. The EU AI Act, which comes fully into force by mid-2026, requires strict checks on “high-risk” AI systems. It bans discriminatory biometric systems and demands transparency. Much like financial auditors became essential after the 1929 market crash, algorithmic bias auditors are becoming critical in the AI era to prevent harm and misuse.

Most professionals in this field have a mixed background. A master’s degree in data science, computer science, or statistics is common. Many also study law, ethics, sociology, or philosophy.

Core responsibilities:

• Stress-test AI models to expose hidden bias or incorrect outputs.
• Review training data to check whether some groups are under-represented.
• Confirm compliance with laws such as the EU AI Act, GDPR, and New York City’s Local Law 144.
• Write clear technical and legal reports for regulators and internal teams.
• Work with data scientists to reduce or fix bias once it is found.

Salary range:

• Entry-level: ~£40k–£70k per year
• Mid-level: ~£70,000–£90,000+ per year
• Senior/Lead: ~£85,000–£150,000+ per year

Source: Robert Half

AI ethicist/governance specialist

While auditors look for problems after systems are built, AI ethicists focus on making AI safe from the start. Many organisations now appoint Chief AI Officers or Heads of AI Ethics to manage the legal, ethical, and reputational risks of generative AI. These roles are growing fast. Head of AI positions have increased by over 30% in Australia, Germany, India, and the United States.

Modern AI systems often act like “black boxes”, meaning their decisions are hard to explain. Companies need specialists who can understand how these systems behave and make sure they align with human values, laws, and social expectations.

Many AI ethicists hold advanced degrees in philosophy, ethics, cognitive science, or science and technology studies. Technical understanding is essential. You don’t need to code daily, but you must understand how AI models work.

Core responsibilities:

• Define clear rules for how AI systems should behave and what they must not do.
• Guide the alignment of large language models so they avoid harmful or misleading content.
• Help organisations handle ethical decisions involving autonomous systems, such as vehicles or medical tools.
• Explain AI risks and safeguards to executives, regulators, and the public.
• Support trust-building by making AI decisions easier to understand.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£32,000–£55,000
• Mid-Level: ~£55,000–£90,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£62,000–£110,000+

Source: Glassdoor

Digital twin engineer

Digital twin technology is changing how companies design, run, and maintain physical systems. A digital twin is a virtual copy of a real-world asset, such as a factory, machine, wind turbine, or even a city. This virtual model updates in real time using live data.

Digital twins allow organisations to test scenarios before problems happen. Companies use them to predict equipment failures, improve energy efficiency, and simulate extreme events without real-world risk.

As Industry 4.0 evolves and the “Industrial Metaverse” grows, platforms like NVIDIA Omniverse are pushing demand for engineers who can build real-time simulations. This demand is increasing fast across manufacturing, energy, transport, and infrastructure.

Most digital twin engineers hold a degree in mechanical engineering, computer science, or systems engineering. A master’s degree can help, but is not always required.

Core responsibilities:

• Connect live sensor data from physical assets into digital models.
• Run simulations to test how systems respond to stress, failure, or changing conditions.
• Automate simulation and optimisation processes using code.
• Compare digital models with real-world data to improve accuracy.
• Support sustainability, safety, and performance improvements.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£31,000–£45,000
• Mid-Level: ~£48,000–£58,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£60,000–£90,000+

Source: IT Jobs Watch

Circular economy manager

The traditional “take, make, waste” model no longer works. Companies are running into limits caused by resource shortages, fragile supply chains, and stricter environmental laws. The pandemic exposed the vulnerability of global supply chains, while rising material costs are forcing businesses to rethink how they use resources.

New regulations are accelerating this shift. For example, the proposed Global Plastics Treaty aims to reduce plastic pollution worldwide and could cut new plastic production by up to 30% by 2040. This puts pressure on companies to reuse materials instead of throwing them away.

As a result, businesses now need experts who can redesign how products are made, used, and recovered. That’s where circular economy managers come in.

Core responsibilities:

• Build systems to collect and reuse products.
• Work with designers to ensure products can be taken apart and reused.
• Manage business models based on leasing or reuse instead of one-time sales.
• Source recycled or secondary materials to replace virgin resources.
• Oversee suppliers to ensure responsible disposal and repurposing.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£30,000–£50,000
• Mid-Level: ~£45,000–£60,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£50,000–£90,000+

Source: Glassdoor

Carbon accountant

Carbon is quickly becoming a business cost, much like money. Governments are introducing carbon taxes, and investors now expect companies to commit to Net Zero targets. But companies cannot reduce emissions if they don’t know where those emissions come from.

Many organisations still have little visibility over their supply chain emissions, known as Scope 3 emissions. These often make up the largest share of a company’s carbon footprint. This gap has created strong demand for professionals who can measure emissions with the same accuracy used in financial reporting.

Most carbon accountants have a background in accounting or finance combined with environmental science. Some start in sustainability roles and build financial skills, while others come from accounting and add climate expertise.

Core responsibilities:

• Collect data on energy use, business travel, and logistics.
• Calculate greenhouse gas emissions using recognised standards.
• Identify areas where emissions are highest and reductions are possible.
• Prepare carbon reports for regulators and investors.
• Support voluntary climate disclosures and sustainability reporting.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£30,000–£50,000
• Mid-Level: ~£40,000–£60,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£45,000–£85,000+

Source: Glassdoor

Retrofit coordinator

The Retrofit Coordinator role exists because the UK needed to fix serious problems in past home energy upgrade schemes. Poor insulation work led to dampness, mould, and ventilation failures in thousands of homes. To prevent this, the government introduced PAS 2035, a British Standard that turned retrofit work into a regulated process.

At the same time, government programmes such as Warm Homes and legal duties for social housing providers to improve EPC ratings have increased demand for safe, compliant retrofits. Under PAS 2035, any publicly funded retrofit project must be overseen by a qualified retrofit coordinator.

Most retrofit coordinators start with a Level 3 qualification in a built-environment subject such as construction, surveying, or architectural technology. But this is a regulated role. You must complete the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management to practise.

Core responsibilities:

• Review energy assessments and whole-house retrofit plans.
• Analyse RdSAP models to identify cost-effective carbon reduction measures.
• Plan ventilation strategies to prevent damp and mould.
• Carry out site inspections during retrofit works.
• Ensure insulation and upgrades meet design and safety standards.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£28,000–£35,000
• Mid-Level: ~£37,000–£45,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£50,000–£60,000+

Source: Retrofit Academy

Haptic interface designer

Technology is moving beyond screens and sound. With the rise of spatial computing, driven by devices like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest, users now expect digital experiences to feel real, not just look real.

Haptic technology adds the sense of touch to digital systems. It allows users to feel textures, resistance, vibration, or force. This is already common in gaming, but it’s becoming just as important in areas like remote surgery, automotive safety, and robotics, where users must keep their eyes focused elsewhere.

As demand for immersive and safe human–machine interaction grows, so does the need for specialists who can design how technology feels. Haptic interface designers often transition from regular UX/UI designer positions. A degree or background in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or human–computer interaction (HCI) is very beneficial.

Core responsibilities:

• Design vibration patterns, force feedback, and tactile responses.
• Program motors and actuators to recreate real-world sensations.
• Test how people perceive touch and where the limits lie.
• Work with UI and UX designers to add touch feedback into user flows.
• Refine feedback so it feels clear, realistic, and comfortable.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£30,000–£45,000
• Mid-Level: ~£45,000–£70,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£70,000–£90,000+

Source: Jooble

Vertical farming technologist

Rapid urbanisation and climate change are making traditional farming harder. Droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather are reducing crop reliability. At the same time, growing cities are increasing demand for fresh, local food.

Vertical farming offers a solution. Crops are grown indoors in stacked layers using LED lighting and hydroponic systems, which reduces land use and water waste. Food can be produced near where people live year-round.

Although the sector has high setup and running costs, it is growing quickly. Employment for vertical farming technologists is expected to rise from around 8,500 roles in 2025 to over 12,000 by 2035, driven by urban food demand and climate pressure.

Most professionals have degrees in horticulture, plant science, agricultural engineering, or AgTech. Strong technical and biological knowledge is important.

Core responsibilities:

• Calibrate hydroponic or aeroponic nutrient delivery systems.
• Manage climate control software for temperature, humidity, and CO₂.
• Maintain and troubleshoot automation equipment such as conveyors or harvesters.
• Analyse crop data to improve yields and growth speed.
• Adjust lighting systems to optimise plant development.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£20,000–£32,000
• Mid-Level: ~£25,000–£35,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£30,000–£42,000+

Source: Glassdoor

Telehealth coordinator

Remote healthcare became the norm during the pandemic and is now a permanent part of modern medicine. Patients expect virtual appointments to work as smoothly as in-person visits. However, the systems behind telehealth are complex.

Doctors and nurses cannot spend time fixing technical issues or managing digital platforms. Healthcare providers need someone to make sure the digital clinic runs without disruption. This has created strong demand for telehealth coordinators.

Most telehealth coordinators hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in health administration, information technology, or nursing. Clinical experience can be helpful but is not always required.

Core responsibilities:

• Train doctors and nurses on telemedicine platforms.
• Help patients resolve technical issues before appointments.
• Ensure digital communications meet privacy and security rules.
• Support the use of remote monitoring devices and data.
• Upload and manage telehealth data within electronic health records.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£24,000–£28,000
• Mid-Level: ~£25,000–£30,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£30,000–£40,000+

Source: SalaryExpert

Biodiversity net gain officer

The Environment Act 2021 has introduced a new requirement for developers in England: every planning permission granted must show a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). In simple terms, this means developers must prove they are improving the natural environment while developing land. If a company cannot demonstrate this improvement, it cannot build. 

This has created a surge in demand for professionals who can “measure“ nature and ensure development projects leave the environment better off than before. A BSc in Ecology, Environmental Science, or Countryside Management is typically required. Membership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is the gold standard for professionals in this area.

Core responsibilities:

• Use the Defra Biodiversity Metric to assess a site’s ecological value before and after development.
• Design offset habitats (such as wildflower meadows or ponds) to compensate for the loss of natural land.
• Negotiate with landowners and councils to secure long-term conservation agreements.
• Manage rewilding projects to restore ecosystems and reintroduce lost species, such as beavers and pine martens.
• Provide advice to developers on how to meet biodiversity and environmental requirements.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£38,000–£60,000
• Mid-Level: ~£42,000–£65,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£52,000–£84,000+

Source: Glassdoor

Genetic counsellor

The cost of sequencing a human genome has dropped dramatically, from millions of pounds to under £200. With this technology, personalised medicine is now possible, allowing doctors to tailor treatment to an individual’s unique genetic makeup.

But raw genetic data can be overwhelming and confusing without proper interpretation. This is where genetic counsellors come in. They are the experts who help patients understand their genetic risks, such as the likelihood of developing cancer or inheriting a hereditary disease. They also explain how genetic data affects responses to medications (known as pharmacogenomics).

Core responsibilities:

• Analyse genetic test results to identify risks such as cancer, hereditary diseases, or drug responses.
• Break down complex genetic concepts and statistics into easy-to-understand terms for patients.
• Provide guidance on available medical options, including screening, preventative surgeries, or lifestyle changes.
• Discuss the emotional and ethical implications of genetic testing, especially for families with inherited conditions.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£38,000–£60,000
• Mid-Level: ~£42,000–£65,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£52,000–£84,000+

Source: Prospects

Quantum software engineer

The UK is a global leader in quantum computing, with key innovation hubs in London, Oxford, and Cambridge. As quantum hardware develops, the biggest challenge has moved to quantum software—specifically, creating algorithms that work on these unstable, probabilistic machines.

Quantum software engineers don’t write traditional code for everyday applications. Instead, they design software that uses the principles of quantum mechanics, like superposition and entanglement, to solve problems that classical computers can’t handle. This includes complex tasks like simulating molecular structures for drug development.

Core responsibilities:

• Design algorithms that exploit quantum mechanics for computing tasks.
• Use quantum development kits like Qiskit, Cirq, or Q# to build software for quantum machines.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure the algorithms are compatible with quantum processors.
• Simulate real-world problems, such as drug discovery, by leveraging quantum superposition and entanglement.
• Work in hybrid environments where quantum and classical processors complement each other.

Salary range:

• Entry-Level: ~£60,000–£70,000
• Mid-Level: ~£70,000–£90,000
• Senior/Lead: ~£90,000–£105,000+

Source: Economic Research Institute