Data Science Associate

Black Swan Data is a leading provider of data, software, and consulting services for the consumer goods industry. Our technology uses AI and social data to power the insight and innovation capabilities of brands like PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz and Heineken. 

We are a values-driven company that is committed to our employee’s wellbeing and growth. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we want to create an environment where they can thrive. 

THE ROLE 

An exiting opportunity for a Data Science Associate has opened at Black Swan Data. As a Data Science Associate, you will be responsible for handling and manipulating data, building and improving machine learned models, and producing meaningful analysis and high-quality code. During your journey you will get exposure to different research and development projects within a cross functional team of data scientists and data engineers.

What you will be doing and learning: 

• Working primarily with social media text and/or time series data to provide creative data science solutions for our core Trendscope product line.  
• Building and improving machine learned models and data pipelines, working quickly and accurately using machine learning and statistics libraries, and configuring Black Swan Data software when required. 
• Collating and manipulating business data using an accurate and methodical approach to ensure high data quality and integrity.
• Analysing business problems and developing data-driven solutions.  
• Ensuring that the software solutions developed are maintainable, robust, and accurate via collaborating with cross functional technical teams to address data-related issues.  
• Working closely with engineering to deploy data solutions and productionise modelling prototypes.
• Picking up different tasks as required, ranging from green field research and development projects to proposing iterative methodological enhancements to existing internal data products whenever necessary.
• Gain experience on how to think and act as a professional data scientist in real-world situations.
• Building a good understanding of internal products, methodologies, frameworks, and tools. 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS  

Personal attributes: 

• Showing tenacity in problem solving, maintaining drive and enthusiasm to achieve results.
• Highly creative and comfortable working with non-technical stakeholders.
• Commercial problem-solving mindset, effectively understanding what drives value to our clients.
• Being a team player, willing to support others and engage with engineering teams.  
• Being organised, and comfortable in an agile working environment.  
• Providing daily progress updates, regularly documenting achieved results. 

General Requirements: 

• Degree level background in Data Science, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or a related field is advantageous. 
• Understanding of data analytics, machine learning and statistical modelling approaches. 
• Delivering clear and effective presentations of data analysis results. 
• Ensuring that deliverables are produced promptly to the timings specified by senior members of the team and to a high standard.
• Strong verbal and written communication to effectively present and document the delivered work.
• Making appropriate use of networks to get the job done in the most effective and resourceful way. 

Technical proficiencies needed are: 

• Effective programming in Python, exposure to Scala development is advantageous.
• Experienced in using notebook development environments (Databricks, Jupiter or similar).
• Experienced in using data science related Python libraries (e.g., Pandas, scikit-learn, NumPy).
• Experienced in using data visualisation related Python libraries (e.g., matplotlib, Plotly Express, Altair).
• Experienced in working with SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Experienced in data manipulation, cleansing, and sense checking.
• Experienced in using distributed version control systems, specifically git.
• Exposure to natural language processing, specifically large language models and generative AI approaches is advantageous.  
• Exposure to working with deep learning models and the Hugging Face modelling ecosystem is advantageous.
• Exposure to cloud-based product development is advantageous (preferably AWS).
• Exposure to distributed computing on Apache Spark is advantageous.
• Effective use of standard office tools: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. 

We offer competitive compensation, a dynamic and collaborative work environment, and abundant opportunities for professional growth and advancement. 

What makes a Swan? 

We want people fanatical about creating innovative solutions inspired by data. We know Black Swan’s DNA is different, it’s what helps us find new perspectives on our clients’ problems. Working in a fast paced, energized environment, our bar is set high, and an ability to build long lasting partnerships both internally and externally is vital. 

We have made a difference at our core and that is embedded in our values. 

• We believe in long-term partnerships through transparency and honesty. 
• We believe in leaving the world in a better place than we found it. 
• We believe anyone can achieve great things. We do not put people in boxes. 
• We listen more than we talk. 
• We think 10% crazy is just about right! 
• Most importantly, and because you spend 60% of your waking time at work, we believe you should enjoy it. 

What We Offer? 

Hybrid Working – Some roles will also be eligible to apply for 100% remote working. 

Career Development - At Black Swan, we prioritise your development. We break new ground daily - and that provides every Swan with the opportunity to build career-defining skills and experience.  

Working environment - Because you spend 60% of your time at work, we try to make it enjoyable! You will benefit from our global benefits: Share options, staff referral scheme, wellness day, development day, flexible working, internal and online training initiatives, volunteering opportunities at whiteswan.org.uk, birthday half day, social events, and a flexible leave policy. 

Exciting Clients and Projects - We work with some of the world’s most pioneering CPG brands, and operate at the cutting-edge of our industry, solving our clients' problems with technology. 

Talented Teams - We employ the best talent in the market – as a Swan you will be exposed to highly skilled and multi-disciplined teams across 3 continents.   

We want to positively change the future through technology and the power of prediction.  

How about you?