Research Data Scientist

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a PhD/equivalent experience in geographic information science or a closely allied discipline and experience of developing and publishing research applications. This Research Data Scientist position is funded as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-funded Geographic Data Service (GeoDS) which is part of the ESRC Smart Data Research UK initiative ( delivered through the UCL Department of Geography.

You will be a core part of an interdisciplinary team that spans both UCL and the University of Liverpool. It is charged with developing and maintaining a national data service that provides ‘smart data’ to researchers.

The post holder will consolidate delivery and documentation of our Geodemographics of Gambling data product.

You will work with your management to define a portfolio of responsibilities, a mixture of service delivery, research, and innovation appropriate to your level of seniority.

As a Research Data Scientist you will:

Create a detailed specification of the Geodemographics of Gambling data product including associated materials including pen portraits, metadata and diagnostics. Prepare three research papers in consultation with the line manager on the methodology for creation of this research ready data product. These will be submitted to leading international journals and responses to reviewers will be developed as appropriate. Develop at least one impact case study arising from data products developed by the GeoDS. This is likely to entail London case studies of changing social conditions over the last 25 years This will require close working with the line manager and the GeoDS data journalist as appropriate.

The role requires working with Personal and Sensitive Personal Data (as defined under GDPR) and so you will be required to attain BPSS security clearance to use and manage secure data using facilities at GeoDS’s institutions. You will be expected to understand legal liability issues related to the handling of GeoDS research data and emulate best practice in this area.

The full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
This is a part time role, fixed term post with funding available to 30 September . The appointment is available to start as soon as possible.

About you

The successful candidate will have a PhD Degree in computer science, data science / AI, geographic information science, or allied discipline with a strong programming component, with awareness of quantitative methods and social science datasets OR equivalent professional expertise appropriate to the role. They will also have First-hand experience of analysing large and complex gambling industry operator data.

The following are also essential for the role:

Experience of leading the writing of research publications of quality acceptable to international journals. Experience with the core tools of data science and analytics, in a programmatic framework such as R or Python. Knowledge of and commitment to technology best practices that enable the delivery of reliable, sustainable and trustworthy outputs.

Please see the full job description and person specification at the bottom of this page full more information.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance