Fintech Data Scientist (Machine Learning Engineer, KTP Associate)

THE PROJECT

The University of Essex, in partnership with sciopay, offers an exciting opportunity to a graduate with the relevant skills and knowledge to empower SMEs with a bespoke machine learning-based platform to provide real-time visibility into tailored Foreign Exchange hedging options.

This post is fixed term for 24 months and is based at sciopay’s offices in London.

DUTIES OF THE POST

The duties of the post will include:

• Processing large and complex volumes of data.
• Developing advanced models, such as time series, machine learning and deep learning models for exchange rates.
• Developing an asset-liability management (ALM) model.
• Developing stochastic programming models for currency hedging.
• Integrating algorithms into existing systems.
• Understanding financial/risk exchange rate models and practices.
• Researching and understanding current and historic financial markets and factors affecting exchange rates.
• Developing an AI-driven actuarial and financial hedging support tool providing insights into previous similar cases, needs, costs, and financial outcomes.
• Embedding technology and upskilling company staff.
• Participating in academic and/or industrial conferences and other events, to disseminate and present research outcomes to the wider community.
• Publish peer-reviewed articles in high impact journals in collaboration with academics at the University of Essex.

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

• An MSc in Data Science, Computer Science, Computational Actuarial Science, Computational Finance or similar subject.
• Excellent communications skills, with high levels of written and spoken English.
• Approachable, reliable, energetic and willing to work both independently and as part of a team.
• An understanding of the need to balance numerous academic and commercial outputs.
• Ability to manage expectations and maintain communication in a multi-partner project.
• The ability to recognise and carry out personal development opportunities.
• Ability to interface with people with commercial interests and from varied technical backgrounds.
• Proactive and committed to the project.
• Experience in time series models, and machine learning models (such as Random Forest and Gradient Boosting).
• Experience/knowledge in deep learning models (such as Recurrent Neural Networks and Long Short-Term Memory Networks).
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of computational intelligence / machine learning algorithms for predictive modelling and forecasting.
• Processing and aggregation of heterogeneous data streams based on structured and unstructured data.
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of mathematical and stochastic optimisation approaches, such as probabilistic stochastic models and stochastic programming.
• Strong knowledge of probability/ statistical models.
• Experience of complex data handling and management of large data sets.
• Excellent knowledge of Python and the relevant data science/ statistical Python stack (Numpy, Scikit-learn, Scipy, Xgboost).
• Knowledge, experience, or a keen interest in foreign exchange, FinTech and hedging.
• Project and budget management experience.
• Experience of understanding and mitigating against risk.
• Experience, or willingness to contribute to academic journals and/or conference papers.

BENEFITS

As a KTP Associate, the post will offer the following benefits:

• A personal development budget of £4000 (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.

To empower SMEs with a bespoke machine learning-based platform to provide real-time visibility into tailored Foreign Exchange hedging options.

This innovative platform will help SMEs manage currency volatility, stabilise cash flow, and improve financial resilience, through accessible, personalised risk management tools and education, matching the strategies available to larger corporations.