Data Scientist

At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.Data ScientistPermanent Manchester: 43650 - 49664Hybrid 2x days a week in the office IntroductionAQAs is leading the educational assessment world with ethical AI solutions which ensure to never let a learner down. Youll be joining a forward-thinking team at AQA where innovation meets impact. This is your chance to shape the future of assessment through cutting-edge data science and AI solutions. Youll be part of a collaborative environment alongside other value-driven data scientists and technical staff who prize creativity experimentation and continuous improvement. Whether youre developing new models or exploring emerging technologies your work will help transform how we deliver assessments and support learners. This is a role where your ideas will be heard your expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a real differencePurpose of the roleYoull lead the development of advanced solutions leveraging cutting-edge data science and AI that enhance business performance and support AQAs strategic goals working closely with colleagues all across AQA. From Python applications to bespoke AI services within wider solutions your work will help deliver meaningful insights and drive innovation across the organisation and the wider assessment world. Your expertise will help shape the direction of AQAs innovation programme ensuring that our use of data and technology remains at the forefront of the education sector presenting your work at international conferences. This role is central to our ambition to lead digital change and create assessment solutions that are fair accessible and future-ready.Key responsibilitiesIn this role youll be responsible for:Scoping leading and managing data science projects aligned with AQAs innovation and AI workstreams.Communicating complex technical outcomes to senior and non-technical stakeholders through presentations and demonstrations.What we are looking forYoull thrive in this role if youre a creative problem-solver with a passion for data science and innovation.Experience developing applications using Python and version control tools.Broad knowledge of databases and data structures with a willingness to learn AQAs systems. Understanding of machine learning NLP deep learning and large language models would be beneficial Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders.Ability to think analytically and creatively to solve complex problems.Whats in it for youThis role offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact while growing your career in a supportive and innovative environment.Work on high-impact projects that shape the future of assessment.Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.A 35-hour weekand a flexible working culture.25 days holiday rising to 30 with service plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure.An enhanced contributory pension scheme you could pay in 7% and AQA contributes 11.5% (other options available).Comprehensive health coveragefrom day one including Bupa PMI Health Cash Plan and Life Assurance.Access to eco-friendly transport schemes including cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing.Strong commitment to personal and professional development.Diversity and inclusion statementAt AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyoneregardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or backgroundis valued respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.Application processTo apply please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Application deadline: Tuesday 30th September. Interviews will be conducted in Manchester on the 9th/10th October and onboarding will begin shortly after.Recruitment AgenciesWe have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.Full Job DescriptionSummaryThe role devises and develops advanced data science solutions for the business. This could include Python applications insights through data mining and bespoke AI services that improve or enhance business performance assessment functioning and projects which deliver for AQAs innovation programme. As a Data Scientist you will lead the creation and delivery of projects in conjunction with your manager using your expertise to propose and implement suitable approaches which align with our values and strategic objectives. The postholder will also work with colleagues across the business to utilise AQAs data assets and relevant technology to support and enhance business performance produce customised analyses and provide insights for specific business. This will require applying and developing specialist knowledge of appropriate software technologies and techniques including keeping abreast of developments in data science and AI through formal and informal training and development and attending :The role sits within the Standards and Innovation team a team consisting of a wide range of specialist data science statistical and psychometric roles. The team sits within the Assessment Research & Innovation business area and works alongside the Data Analytics team and Research & Evaluation teams. This role and the Data Science function within Standards and Innovation is focused upon the delivery of projects and proof of concepts using data science application development machine learning and generative AI to innovate on operational delivery and new assessment products.This is a key role in achieving our strategic goals to Shape the Future and to Lead Digital Change by leveraging cutting edge technology to develop the solutions of tomorrow.Activities:Scope lead and manage data science projects related to AQAs innovation and AI workstreamsDevelop at pace and deliver front-end and back-end applications proof-of-concepts and insights powered by AI or machine learningProvide proactive advice and guidance to colleagues on AI and data science related issues and how these may relate to their workBuild effective working relationships with internal colleagues influencing thinking in relation to AI and data science solutionsCommunicate through presentations and demonstrations complex technical information applications outcomes to senior and non-technical stakeholders.Provide comprehensive and user-friendly data intelligence to users as requiredRepresent the team on AQA and external groups sharing insights to inform and support decision makingContribute to a motivated and positive team culture focused on delivery and continuous improvementEnsure that projects meet business needs flexibly responsively and to agreed time cost and quality criteriaDevelop knowledge of approaches to AI and data science ensuring that all work uses appropriate methods reviewing the impact of approaches taken by similar organisationsWork with others to achieve the organisation and team vision modelling AQAs values and behaviours contributing expertise and developing self to achieve excellenceTo be successful in this role you will need to know:Understanding of key data science concepts including machine learning natural language processing deep learning large language models and cluster analysisKnowledge and experience of developing applications and proofs of concepts using Python or other programming languages including use of version control in contexts such as data mining machine learning or pattern recognitionA broad understanding of databases data structures and their interrogation including a willingness to acquire a detailed knowledge and understanding of AQAs databasesStrong interpersonal and communication skills able to build rapport with a diverse range of stakeholdersAbility to understand stakeholder requirements and translate those into actionable tasksThe ability to think analytically to understand and synthesise complex diverse and incomplete information and to present reasoned argumentsThe ability to interpret complex quantitative and qualitative information to support sound decision makingAbility to work both independently and as part of a teamAbility and willingness to constructively challenge the thinking of othersAbility to think creatively and solve complex problemsAbility to assess risk and recommend actions Key Skills Laboratory Experience,Immunoassays,Machine Learning,Biochemistry,Assays,Research Experience,Spectroscopy,Research & Development,cGMP,Cell Culture,Molecular Biology,Data Analysis Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 43650 - 49664