AI Data Scientist (KTP Associate), CSEE

University of Essex; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university seeks a graduate for a role involving research on farming and nature. The position entails developing AI and ML technologies, monitoring online discourse, and engaging with stakeholders to counter misinformation. Applicants should have a relevant MSc or PhD and skills in data science, machine learning, and project management. Benefits include a personal development budget and access to university resources.

Benefits

Personal development budget of £4,340

Management training and mentoring

Qualifications

• Experience developing predictive systems in cloud and in-house servers.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to lead complex projects with competing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Monitor online discourse to identify misinformation.
• Design and develop AI and ML predictive engine prototypes.
• Support company scale up and exploitation of new technology.

Skills

Data Science

Machine Learning

Computer Vision

Java/Python

Cloud Deployment

Data Analysis

Project Management

Git

Data Visualisation

Education

MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, AI or similar

Tools

Git

JIRA

Trello

Job description

KTP

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a unique UK-wide activity that help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of the knowledge, technology and skills within universities, colleges and research organisations.

Further information is available at: https://iuk-ktp.org.uk/

THE PROJECT

The University of Essex in partnership with RSPB offers an exciting opportunity to a graduate with the relevant skills and knowledge to research public discourse on farming and nature, to ensure better understanding of evidence-based narratives, using different technologies.

DUTIES OF THE POST

The duties of the post will include:

• Monitor online discourse to identify misinformation and distorted narratives beyond basic sentiment analysis.
• Design, develop, and test an initial prototype of AI and ML predictive engine and computer vision system according to the requirement of the project.
• Review current workflows in the company and specify the functional requirements to integrate the new system.
• Investigation and implementation of prototype into existing system and validation.
• Embed technology; train and upskill company staff.
• Act as project lead, to progress the project and ensure milestones are met in a timely manner.
• Prepare reports, evaluate, handover, and sign off the project.
• Support company scale up and exploitation of new technology.
• Participate in academic and/or industrial conferences and other events, to disseminate and present research outcomes to the wider community.
• Active engagement in personal development.

These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake. They may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, AI or a similar discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience and knowledge of best practice in data storage, processing, and handling.
• Knowledge/interest in data science, machine learning algorithms, and computer vision.
• Experience of handling and manipulating large and complex data.
• Experience of developing and deploying predictive systems in cloud and in-house servers.
• Java/Python programming for frontend and backend development including experience in managing cloud.
• Ability to lead a complex project with competing deadlines and priorities.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, listening to feedback and working collaboratively.
• Excellent time management skills.
• [Desirable] Experience engaging in environmental campaigning or conservation / passion for environmental sustainability.

Skills / Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of machine learning, including time series forecasting, regression models, and neural networks.
• Experience with computer vision techniques, including image processing, object detection, and pattern recognition.
• Experience of designing, testing, and deploying machine learning models in a controlled environment.
• Understanding of data privacy regulations and ethical considerations.
• Understanding of UI centred product design, as well as data extraction and interrogation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience of applying AI and optimisation techniques.
• Strong knowledge of Git for version controlling and project management tools such as JIRA/Trello.
• Knowledge/interest in data visualisation.
• [Desirable] Knowledge of digital marketing strategies to support stakeholder engagement and counter-misinformation campaigns.

Attributes:

• Willingness to lead knowledge transfer activities, including training and presentations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to write technical documentation/academic papers.
• Ability to deal with clients and good relationship building skills.
• [Desirable] Strong commercial awareness, ensuring AI solutions align with commercial priorities and benefit RSPB.

BENEFITS

As a KTP Associate, the post will offer the following benefits:

• A personal development budget of £4,340 (exclusive of salary).
• Management training and mentoring by an Innovate UK KTP Adviser.
• An interesting and challenging role, with exposure to a variety of stakeholders.
• Full access to university resources to complete the project.
• World-leading Academic and Company project supervision, with project support by a dedicated, sector leading KTP Office.

LOCATION

RSPB
The Lodge
Potton Road
Sandy
Bedfordshire
SG19 2DL

Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please contact [e-mail]

*More information: Working at the University