Data Scientist

Frontier Economics is an economics consultancy that tackles the big questions facing governments, businesses and society. We help our clients to analyse and understand their markets and to formulate strategies based on sound economics. The methods and models we use are often complex, but our advice is always succinct, clear and honest. 

The company has grown rapidly since it was founded almost 20 years ago and currently has around 400 staff working across seven European offices (London, Cologne, Dublin, Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Madrid). The company is employee-owned and has a strong culture of openness and employee engagement.

Data Science at Frontier

Working with our economists, the Data Science Team use cutting edge analytical methods and tools to provide convincing, evidence-based advice to management teams, governments and competition authorities. We work with large and complex data sources, employing techniques spanning both traditional econometrics and machine learning, to explain causal relationships and deliver compelling visualisations whilst also guiding clients on how to think strategically about their data.

Job Description

Reports to: Head of Data Science

Our Data Scientists work closely with economists and the wider Data Science Team, providing specialist knowledge and skills to apply data science to projects across the Firm in all our practices.

Our Data Scientists enjoy a wide and diverse role working with people from across the Firm and deploy data science tools and techniques appropriately to deliver maximum value for our clients.

Our Data Scientists have specialist knowledge and experience in a range of data science methods and have a good understanding of how they can be applied to augment economic analysis.

Our Data Scientists lead technical workstreams as part of wider projects, clearly communicating highly technical content to non-data scientists both internally and with clients.

Our Data Scientists contribute to building our data science capability across the firm, including running development projects to test leading-edge techniques, mentoring junior members of the team and training the wider firm.

The key areas of responsibility are:

Analysis and Problem Solving:

• Work on technically challenging projects spanning a range of sectors/issues/clients, using data science to increase our client impact.

• Work with managers to shape the data science strategy on client projects and deliver high quality analytical outputs.

• Continue to develop expertise and knowledge on leading-edge data science techniques and/or sector specific issues.

• Share learning from projects and research with others in the Data Science team and across the firm.

Communication Skills:

• Able to communicate empathetically with clients to understand their needs and concerns; taking time to listen, understand and respond; and bringing in colleagues where appropriate.

• Communicates complex work clearly and simply internally and to clients.

Work Management:

• Scope and structure your own time so you can work independently on complex tasks and deliver consistently.

• Lead technical workstreams; supervising more junior team members, communicating clearly and helping shape including required outputs.

• Contribute to technical discussions with clients where required, ensuring they understand and agree the brief and deliverables.

• Deliver high quality outputs in an appropriate format.

Client Relationships:

• Build awareness of client expectations and work to fulfil and exceed those expectations.

• Seek ongoing informal client feedback appropriately and act on it.

• Be seen as providing expert advice on individual tasks and work streams.

Contribution to Frontier:

• Promote and build understanding of the value of data science to our work across Frontier.

• Provide day to day support to individuals through project and through mentoring relationships with junior data scientists.

• Act as a role model for others; inspiring, motivating and encouraging them to do likewise.

Measures of Success

• Strong relationships developed across the Firm with staff knowing who you are and how you can help.

• Demonstrable impact of the data science projects you have worked on across the firm to improve our delivery for clients and build internal capability.

• Good feedback from stakeholders across the firm, particularly around responsiveness, ease to work with, outcome focus and knowledge.

Essential Requirements

• At least two years’ experience of working in a role requiring use of data science techniques, coding languages and tools.

• Good knowledge of and experience of using a range of data science approaches e,g, NLP, propensity modelling and prediction, causal inference etc.

• Practical experience of working on data science projects, using GitHub, including scoping, planning and execution

• Experience of working with large and varied datasets and data wrangling, using APIs and different types of databases

• Strong coding ability and knowledge of best practice (in particular Python and R – knowledge of  SQL would be desirable)

• Ability to engage novel problems and concepts and find practical solutions using existing or unfamiliar tools quickly

• Good communication skills to non-technical audiences

• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients and colleagues

• Fluent English (C2)

Desirable

• Demonstrable evidence of an interest in economics or the sectors in which we work

• Experience of working in a professional development environment

• Experience in using GIS packages / working with geographic data

• German, French or Spanish Language (C1/2)

Frontier is entirely employee-owned. As shareholders, we encourage everyone to share their views, allowing us to collectively influence company decisions. We also distribute as much of our profits as prudently possible through bonuses, complemented by highly competitive salaries.

We prioritise work/life balance by offering flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home. Employees enjoy 28 days of annual leave, with the opportunity to purchase an additional 10 days.

Our stimulating and thought-provoking projects are complemented by a range of benefits that support you both inside and outside of work. Employees have access to numerous Learning & Development opportunities, including ongoing Career Development Reviews with the support of a dedicated Mentor.

Should you have any questions or would like any additional information please email recruitment@frontier-economics.com. 

We are looking forward to receiving your application!  

Frontier Economics is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. We are determined that everyone has an equal chance to join us and progress their career with Frontier. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms. Read more about our incentives here.