AI Data Scientist

Main duties and responsibilities

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.

Other

• An understanding of, and commitment to, equality and diversity.
• Can meet the requirements of UK ‘right to work’ legislation.

The University of Essex in partnership with RSPB is offering this 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.