AI Data Scientist

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.

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• 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.
  

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• 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.
  

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• 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.
  

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• Desirable Experience engaging in environmental campaigning or conservation / passion for environmental sustainability.
  

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• 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.
  
• Desirable Knowledge of digital marketing strategies to support stakeholder engagement and counter-misinformation campaigns.
  

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• 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.
  

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.

The RSPB is a charity for the conservation of birds and nature. We bring people together who love birds and other wildlife, and who want to take action to restore the health and diversity of the natural world. With 70% of land in the UK farmed in some way, we know that nature-friendly farming is the greatest opportunity we have to seeing wildlife recover. That's why we're collaborating with hundreds of farmers and farming organisations across the UK, managing our own farm, as well as actively managing other land. Through doing, advising, world-class scientific research, policy research, campaigning and influencing public discourse, we support farming that works for nature.