AI Data Scientist (KTP Associate)

University of Essex - School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

Location: Bedfordshire, Sandy, Hybrid

Salary: £41,250 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 27th August 2025

Closes: 18th September 2025

Job Ref: REQ09503

KTP

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a unique UK-wide activity that help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of the knowledge, technology and skills within universities, colleges and research organisations. Further information is available at: https://iuk-ktp.org.uk/

THE PROJECT

The University of Essex in partnership with RSPB offers an 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.

DUTIES OF THE POST

• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

LOCATION: RSPB, The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here. Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex.