Senior Geospatial Data Scientist

Buro Happold Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Buro Happold is seeking a Geospatial Data Scientist to join our Geospatial Science and Digital Twins team, applying advanced analytics to derive insights from big data. This permanent role (IR35 contract option) offers work across diverse masterplanning projects and global clients, with opportunities to lead geospatial automation and AI-enabled solutions.

The candidate will develop 3D virtual cities, set GIS standards, and contribute to data governance and training across regions.

Qualifications

• Graduate from a technical degree in Data Science, GIS or Computer Science.
• Masters or PhD would be an added advantage with 7+ years of experience.
• Experience with big data analytics and AI/ML for geospatial insights.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D into geospatial services and 3D digital twins.
• Develop automated data products and insights from datasets.
• Set GIS data quality standards and create reusable templates.
• Train teams on GIS topics and support other disciplines.
• Support bids, scope writing and resource planning for projects.
• Explore AI/ML integration with gaming engines for demos.

Skills

Geospatial analytics

Python

R

SQL

OpenCV

Education

Data Science degree

GIS/Computer Science degree

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

PostGIS

TensorFlow

MongoDB

Job description

Are you a Geospatial Data Scientist looking to grow your expertise and make a difference on projects across the world? You will join us as a Geospatial Data Scientist - a key member of our Geospatial Science and Digital Twins team, responsible for applying advanced analytical techniques to derive insights from its big data.

We are proud of the different clients, countries and types of project that we get the opportunity to experience. We have particular expertise in large scale masterplanning projects and enjoy a mix of scales and projects type and aim to ensure our team members experience a broad range of projects during their careers.

This is a permanent opportunity however we are open to candidates who wish to work on a contract basis (inside IR35).

Key Duties

Responsible for undertaking research and development into geospatial services and application of new technologies, development of automated solutions, including developing 3D virtual cities and digital twins, new data products, data science and insights services from the vast array of datasets. Manage and juggle complex masterplanning projects, project managing spatial and non-spatial data governance procedures and processes. Set GIS standards in data quality, accuracy and mapping, where we develop and disseminate standard GIS templates that feed into map making capabilities. From time to time be called upon to conduct training on a local and global level, assisting other Buro Happold disciplines with their GIS (QGIS and or ArcGIS) training needs, whilst developing new and improved GIS templates, styles and symbology. Managing bids for RfW (Requests for Work) which will include writing and developing new scopes to meet client requirements, estimating fee costs and developing plans, and covering resource for the project timeline. Assist in developing web mapping solutions using AI and Machine Learning modules and tools, embedding geospatial datasets into gaming engines to demonstrate the capabilities of GIS solutions to clients using both open-source and proprietary software packages.

Your skills and experience

• Experience in geospatial data analytics and insights concepts and ability to apply them, particularly experience deriving insights and patterns from big data using statistical methods and processes.
• Proficiency in data science-related languages such as Python, R, Matplotlib, MATLAB, SQL, and C/C++, and experience in spatial data processing and management with a strong emphasis on developing SQL scripts or development of SQL code.
• Experience in spatial data management tools and platforms such as python, ArcGIS, ArcPy, QGIS, Shapely, GeoPandas, NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, GDAL, GRASS, scikit-learn, TensorFlow for geospatial data analysis.
• Demonstrable experience in developing, setting up and configuring spatial databases such as PostgreSQL/PostGIS, MS SQL Spatial and any other big data platform like MongoDB.
• Sufficient understanding of Vector Databases for the implementation of AI modules and techniques.
• Experience in geospatial data ETL (extraction, transformation and loading) to a spatial data warehouse environment, with a strong emphasis on CAD/BIM to GIS data processing with experience using ETL tools to automate data processes and creation of streamlined workflows.
• Knowledge and experience in cloud computing technologies such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Oracle Cloud step-up, configuration and development of data analytics and insights solutions, as well knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and protocols.
• Familiarity with semantic 3D modelling capabilities and methodologies using 3D datasets such as LIDAR, Point Clouds, and other 3D models and objects.
• Ability to train, calibrate and validate computer vision algorithms for feature extraction such as the use of OpenCV and FME, as well as an ability to communicate geospatial data analytics methodologies and insights to both technical and non-technical people.
• Strong, complex problem-solving skills and self-starter.
• Experience applying Natural Language Processing (NLP) to cluster and pattern recognition in textual information.

Qualifications

• A graduate from a relevant technical degree qualification in Data Science related course, GIS/Computer Science. A masters degree or PhD would be an added advantage with 7 years' or more experience.

A place for everyone

Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers. Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive. We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.