Senior Data Scientist (Contract · London)

We are looking for a Senior Data Scientist to join a seed-stage AI project on a full-time contract basis (2–3 months, with possible extension or transition to a permanent role). The project is building a computable model of the global chemicals and materials economy.

This is a hands-on role — you will be setting the standard, not following one.

Location: London, hybrid (priority) Start: ASAP Format: Contract, full-time, 2–3 months

Your responsibilities will include:

• Profile and explore complex real-world industrial datasets — chemical plants, supply chains, material grades




• Build baselines, then define evaluation sets and metrics before modelling




• Ship classifiers and matching/inference models with measured error rates and written error analyses




• Use LLMs where they genuinely belong — extraction, constrained labelling, code generation — with proper evals, never open-loop guessing




• Document model decisions, failure modes, and validation approaches clearly

What we expect from you:

• Proven track record of shipping models to production where being wrong had real consequences — and ability to explain exactly how they were validated




• Strong Python — pandas, scikit-learn, solid statistical instincts




• Ability to define evaluation frameworks and metrics independently, not just implement someone else's




• An independent operator mindset — comfortable setting standards in an early-stage environment




• Experience building LLM pipelines with real evaluation harnesses is a strong plus




• No chemistry background needed — domain expertise is provided by the team

Soft skills / Mindset:

• Rigorous — defines what \"good enough\" means before building, not after




• Communicates clearly — can explain model decisions, tradeoffs, and failure modes to a non-technical audience




• Fast — comfortable with startup pace and ambiguity




• Honest about uncertainty — flags unknowns early rather than papering over them

What We Offer:

• Work at a Top-employer company (according to DOU 2025)




• A strong culture built on empathy, trust, openness, and real care for employees




• Paid vacation and sick leave




• Team events and regular team-building activities

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