Are you skilled and experienced in data analytics, research, and software development?  Are you interested in supporting social sciences research in a growing, multidisciplinary centre committed to using consumer data for the public good? Are you keen to tackle real-world problems while interacting with a wide variety of high-profile industry and public sector partners?

Formed in 2014, the Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC) at Leeds is a nationally leading research group which is developing new social science approaches and delivering insights into human behaviour using consumer and commercial datasets.  Our specialist areas include personal mobility; diet, exercise and lifestyle; and sustainable consumption.  The research is undertaken in partnership between the Schools of Geography, Earth and Environment, Transport, Business and Medicine, and involves further collaborations with partners across the University and beyond.

The CDRC is seeking a talented and highly motivated Lead Research Data Scientist who can help us design, manage and deliver more data outputs derived from our research.  We are looking for someone with a strong understanding and experience of working with sensitive data in a secure environment, who is able to design and implement code for the cleaning and analysis of new datasets. You will have prior experience in using your data analysis and interpretation skills to interrogate datasets, develop and pursue research questions, and generate attractive and easily understood outputs. You will contribute to the research undertaken by CDRC, both through direct leadership of analysis work and support of others, and therefore contribute to the ongoing strategic objectives of the CDRC.

You will also carry significant responsibility for overseeing and developing the Centre’s core data platform, on which its original core service to researchers depends. You will be responsible for the curation and cleaning of datasets, including the extraction, transformation and loading (ETL) processes for incoming data. You will therefore have a strong understanding of tools for querying and analysing data, such as Python/R. In this role you will provide a vital bridge between the Centre and its host organisation, the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA).

You will work directly with the Centre’s co-Directors, Research Software Engineers and other team members on implementing the Centre’s objectives where these relate to data products and research outputs, and work closely with the Centre’s Communications and Public Engagement Manager to ensure that the Centre achieves impact. You will be expected to liaise with a wide range of professionals of varying degrees of understanding of data and data science, and should have the ability to communicate clearly on complex and other specialist issues.

You will have a strong motivation to work directly in the area of research and development, and be at ease using a wide variety of standard and specialised tools. Individuals with strong demonstrable experience in data analytics in any area, but particularly consumer data, are encouraged to apply.

Oliver Mansell, CDRC Centre Manager

Email: [email protected]