Lead Data Scientist (Authoring & Curation)

BBC; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 87,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Data Scientist for a transformative five-month role. This position focuses on enhancing machine learning and AI products, leading a diverse team, and collaborating with various stakeholders to drive innovation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of content workflows and leverage data science to deliver audience value. With a strong emphasis on leadership and collaboration, this role promises to be both challenging and rewarding, offering excellent career progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Excellent career progression opportunities

Unrivalled training and development

Flexible 35-hour workweek

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Discounts on dental and health care

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience delivering ML products at scale.
• Ability to collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of data scientists in a cross-functional environment.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to set strategic direction.

Skills

Data Science

Machine Learning

Team Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Master's in Data Science

PhD in a related field

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

Job description

Package Description

Job Reference: 23234

Band: E

Salary: £87,000 - £97,000, depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Glasgow, London, Salford, Newcastle. This is a hybrid role; the successful candidate will balance office working with home working.

We're happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage, but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

Benefits: Excellent career progression opportunities, unrivalled training and development via our in-house Academy, negotiable salary package, flexible 35-hour workweek, 25 days annual leave with options to buy extra days, pension scheme, and discounts on dental, health care, and gym memberships. More details can be found in our candidate pack.

If you need adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, please contact: [e-mail]. For general queries, contact: [e-mail].

Freelancers: Freelancers with a Worker Contract who have worked continuously for 6 months are eligible to apply. Those with less than 6 months or a break of 3 weeks or more between engagements need HR approval before applying. Both PAYE freelance and Modus Gross contracts are considered Worker contracts.

Job Introduction

The BBC has been serving audiences online for over 20 years, offering content across BBC iPlayer, News, Sport, Weather, and Sounds. We aim to evolve from a broadcaster to a personalized service shaped by audience needs, leveraging data science, machine learning, and AI to enhance content and experiences.

We seek a Lead Data Scientist for a five-month fixed-term role to support our ML/AI products and team growth, focusing on automated metadata and authoring tools, and advancing generative AI in content workflows. This is a leadership opportunity within a transformative period.

Interview Process

1. Introductory screening call (~20 mins)
2. Two-part interview (~1.5 hours)
3. Case study (45 mins: 10 min presentation + 30 min Q&A)
4. Competency interview (45 mins)

Main Responsibilities

Lead and manage a team of data scientists within a diverse, cross-functional environment. While prior management experience is not mandatory, enthusiasm for leadership is essential.

Ensure the team achieves its goals, providing an environment conducive to success. Collaborate with software engineering, product management, and delivery teams to set strategic direction and make informed decisions.

Advocate for data science and machine learning within the BBC, engaging with stakeholders to identify opportunities, share best practices, and foster collaborations that deliver audience value.

Candidate Requirements

• Enthusiasm for leading and managing data science teams (management experience is a bonus)
• Experience delivering value through data and ML products at scale
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams
• Understanding of the technical landscape of data science and ML in industry
• Ability to collaborate with domain experts and non-technical stakeholders to identify new opportunities