Senior Geospatial Data Scientist

Buro Happold; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 120,000; Part time

Job summary

Buro Happold invites a Geospatial Data Scientist to join the Geospatial Science and Digital Twins team in London on a contract basis inside IR35. You will apply advanced analytics to derive insights from large geospatial datasets and contribute to masterplanning projects worldwide.

Expect to work on 3D virtual cities, digital twins, data products, and AI-enabled GIS solutions, with training across global projects and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience in geospatial data analytics and deriving insights from big data using statistical methods.
• Proficiency in Python, R, SQL and data science libraries; strong spatial data processing skills.
• Experience with GIS tools and data management.
• Experience building spatial databases (PostgreSQL/PostGIS, MS SQL Spatial) and big data platforms.

Responsibilities

• Undertake R&D into geospatial services and new technologies, develop automated solutions.
• Manage complex masterplanning projects and data governance across spatial/non-spatial data.
• Set GIS standards for data quality and mapping; develop standard GIS templates.
• Train on GIS topics (QGIS/ArcGIS) and develop GIS templates, styles, and symbology.
• Lead bids for RfW, draft scopes, estimate fees, plan resources for project timelines.
• Assist in web mapping solutions using AI/ML and embed geospatial data into gaming engines.

Skills

Geospatial data analytics

Python

R

SQL

C/C++

OpenCV

NLP

Machine Learning

Data visualization

Education

Master's degree in Data Science, GIS, or Computer Science

PhD in a related field (advantage)

Tools

ArcGIS

ArcPy

QGIS

Shapely

GeoPandas

NumPy

Pandas

Matplotlib

GDAL

GRASS

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

Job description

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Job Reference burohappold/TP/237537/2565

Number of Positions:

2

Contract Type:

Contractor

Competitive

Working Hours:

37.5

Location:

London

Closing Date:

25/10/2026

Job Category:

Advisory and Consulting

Business Unit:

UK+

Are you a Geospatial Data Scientist looking to grow your expertise and make a difference on projects across the world?

This is a contract opportunity (inside IR35).

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.

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 processingwith 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 have much to learn from one another.Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.