Lead Data Scientist

Are you a passionate about Data Science and the application of AI to tackle real world challenges? Maybe you already lead a small data science team, or are an experienced data scientist who enjoys taking a leadership role? Our Data & Analytics team is growing, and this exciting new role will provide essential leadership in developing the next generation of Advanced Analytics (AA) solutions for Thatcham Research. You will be hands on, creating data products to drive business decisions and processes both internally and externally, as well as providing mentorship and direction to the data science function. Working closely with data engineers and solutions architects you will need to utilize your leadership skills and domain/ technical knowledge to develop, deliver and maintain data solutions and products e.g. ML models, Gen AI and advanced statistical models. Reporting to the Analytics Manager you will become a valuable contributor to a growing advanced analytics function delivering against the organisational business and data strategy. On your journey you will further develop skills and industry expertise, help grow the project pipeline and build new organisational capabilities. This is a valuable chance to play a part in contributing data led intelligence towards the fast changing world of automotive risk and human mobility. Your mission

• Lead, inspire and develop our small but growing team of data scientists, with a strong of focus on collaboration and new capability development.
• Apply your advanced analytics skills to directly tackle business need, both internally and to our customers. Demonstrate your mastery in choosing the appropriate approaches to meet the required quality of output and delivery objectives.
• Play a pivotal role in creating and delivering a new analytics and AI capabilities that support the team and wider organisational data strategy, delivering positive business impact that benefit our members and customers.
• Work within and gain understanding of appropriate data and AI governance practices (including data ethics)., We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration, and therefore have a hybrid working model - you'll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.
What we do At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry. Our active safety track site is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAP testing facilities, trialling and assessing the very latest developments in vehicle safety and assistance technologies. Our Values As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process. Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change. Beyond our membership in the Automotive 30% Club, we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging. Recruitment process We're proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can - which starts right here, your application! We're continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus - yes, even with salary & benefits. What can you expect from our recruitment process?
• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application
• An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner
• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams
• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)
• Personalised feedback following your interview - because everyone deserves that!
• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above
We're committed to removing invisible barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

Essential skills: (These are the essential skills or experience needed to succeed in this role)
• Experienced data Scientist with extensive hands on experience of developing ML and analytics solutions to solve complex challenges.
• A degree in Computer Science, Data Science or other relevant discipline.
• Significant commercial experience working with developing advanced data solutions or products. Ideally within Automotive, Engineering or Insurance domains.
• Deep knowledge of Python and associated libraries, e.g. Pandas, Numpy, MatplotLib and SciKit learn for data analysis.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills (i.e., communication, presentation, and negotiation also with non-technical audiences).
• Ability to be a technical lead for a small team of data scientists.
Desirable skills: (These are desirable skills or experience and are not essential, so we would welcome applications from candidates that do not match these additional criteria)
• Experience working with Agile methodologies in a dynamic environment.
• Have proven experience of utilizing Git and established workflows for version control, collaboration, and code management.
• Data front end prototyping experience using Streamlit, Dash, or similar tools.
• Knowledge of other relevant enabling technologies: APIs; Cloud compute (Azure preferred), SQL.
• Hands on experience of working LLMs including application of RAG approaches with frameworks such as LangChain.
• Experience of working within defined dev. ops best practices and frameworks.
• Knowledge of general insurance and/or automotive technology and products is an advantage., You have a real passion for data and data science. With strong practical experience you are confident being the technical lead to a small team of data scientists, leading through doing. You are keen to apply your considerable skills to real world use cases, always learning and developing new skills. You recognise the need for collaborative working and enjoy explaining data science concepts to non technical audiences.
  
  About Thatcham Research
With over five decades of experience in industry leading research and analysis, Thatcham Research is the UK's only not-for-profit automotive risk intelligence organisation. Focused on safety, security and sustainable repair, Thatcham Research is a key player in the global automotive industry. Founded in 1969 Co-workers 275 Data & Analytics · Thatcham Campus · Hybrid Remote

Lead Data Scientist | Circa £70,000 negotiable + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid | Closing date 11.12.24, Salary - Circa £70,000 negotiable dependent on skills & experience.
• 10% non-contributory pension
• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
• Group Life Assurance (equal to 3 x basic salary)
• Group Income Protection (after 2 years' service)
• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work & tech scheme)
• Moneyhealth's Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
• Reward & Recognition Programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Sports & Social club
• Payroll charitable giving
• Subsidised on-site restaurant
• Free on-site parking
When we work Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn't quite suit you - we take work-life balance seriously!)