At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform streaming data into actionable insights to combat piracy.
- Company: Join Friend MTS, a leader in content protection and anti-piracy solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, enhanced pension, and a flexible benefits platform.
- Other info: Access mentorship from senior data scientists and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in media security while developing your data science skills.
- Qualifications: Recent degree in a quantitative field and strong Python programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 38000 £ per year.
About Friend MTS
Friend MTS is the world’s leading provider of content protection and anti‑piracy solutions. We help the biggest brands in media, sports, and entertainment - including global broadcasters and sports leagues - protect their high‑value content. Through Emmy® Award‑winning forensic watermarking and real‑time monitoring, we disrupt piracy at its source.
The Role
As a Junior Data Scientist, you will join our growing Data Science team to help us turn vast amounts of streaming and network data into actionable security intelligence. This is a unique opportunity to work on real‑world problems where your models directly contribute to identifying illegal activity. While we operate in a niche industry, we are looking for a generalist Data Scientist; no prior experience in anti‑piracy or media security is expected. There is a wide variety of work across the business, ranging from data analysis and optimisation to modelling in multiple different areas. You should be comfortable pivoting between different types of data problems as the business evolves. This is a hybrid role that offers location flexibility, allowing you to be based at either our London or Birmingham office. You will be required to comfortably commute to your designated office location at least twice per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Data Analysis & Exploration: Clean and process large datasets to uncover insights and trends within the noise of global streaming traffic.
- Prototyping & Visualization: Build internal tools and interactive dashboards using Plotly and Streamlit to communicate findings to technical and operational teams.
- Modelling & Optimization: Develop and apply various machine learning and statistical models to solve diverse business problems.
- Collaborative Development: Partner with our engineering teams to ensure models are robust and ready for real‑world application.
- AI Integration: Actively leverage modern AI coding assistants to accelerate development and maintain high code quality.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- AI‑Assisted Development: Deep experience leveraging AI tools daily for co‑pilot programming is a must (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, etc.). You should be highly efficient at using these tools to write, debug, and optimise code.
- Programming: Strong, professional‑level proficiency in Python is essential.
- Cloud Platforms: Familiarity with cloud environments, specifically AWS (S3, etc.).
- Education: A recent degree (BSc, MSc, or PhD) in a quantitative field such as Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering.
- SQL: Solid ability to query and manipulate relational databases.
- Problem Solving: A structured approach to tackling complex problems and an ability to think “outside the box” when looking at varied datasets.
Desirable (But Not Essential)
- Anomalous Pattern Detection: Experience or interest in identifying outlier behaviour and suspicious trends.
- Computer Vision: General interest or experience in Computer Vision.
- Big Data: Experience with Big Data tools such as PySpark or Databricks.
- Communication: Ability to explain technical findings clearly to stakeholders.
What We Offer
- 25 days of annual leave (Incl. Bank Holidays) + 1 day off for your birthday
- Enhanced Pension - 5% employee and 5% employer contribution
- Life Assurance - on the successful completion of your probation (4× your salary)
- BUPA (on the successful completion of your probation)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave (after a qualifying period)
- Various Learning and Development Platforms
- A flexible Benefits and Wellbeing Platform
- Full tech set up to ensure you have what you need to be successful in your role
- Weekly breakfasts in the office
- Mentorship: Direct access to senior data scientists and engineers in a supportive, high‑growth environment.
- Impact: The chance to work on technology that protects some of the most valuable media rights in the world.
- Growth: A clear career progression path within a private‑equity‑backed, global tech company.
Here at Friend MTS, we are dedicated to nurturing and expanding a culture of belonging where everyone feels seen, heard, valued for who they are. By embracing the diversity of our people (and future people!) we achieve our best work, together. We ensure that at all stages of our hiring process, your education level, neurodivergence, background, race, religion, colour, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability will not influence your chances for selection. If you are interested in applying for a role at Friend MTS and need special assistance, please make us aware and we will support you in accommodating this.
Junior/Graduate Data Scientist in Birmingham employer: Friend MTS Limited
At Friend MTS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities with senior data scientists, access to various learning platforms, and a clear career progression path within our global tech company. With flexible working arrangements in our London and Birmingham offices, along with competitive benefits such as enhanced pension contributions and generous annual leave, we create an environment where every team member can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the fight against piracy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior/Graduate Data Scientist in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Friend MTS on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Python skills and familiarising yourself with AI tools. Be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects or coursework – it shows you're serious about the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! During interviews, be prepared to tackle some data challenges on the spot. Think aloud as you work through them; it demonstrates your thought process and analytical abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Friend MTS team.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior/Graduate Data Scientist in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Junior Data Scientist role. Highlight your programming skills, especially in Python, and any experience with AI tools. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data science and how you can help us tackle real-world problems. Be sure to mention your interest in media security and anti-piracy solutions.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, whether during your studies or independently, make sure to include them. We love seeing practical applications of your skills, especially if they involve data analysis or machine learning.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Friend MTS Limited
✨Know Your Data Tools
Familiarise yourself with the AI tools mentioned in the job description, like GitHub Copilot. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in your projects, as they are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Python Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency in Python during the interview. You might be asked to solve a coding problem or explain your approach to data analysis, so brush up on your coding skills and be ready to share examples of your work.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research Friend MTS and its role in content protection. Understanding the industry will help you answer questions more effectively and show your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of examples where you've tackled complex data issues, and be prepared to explain your thought process clearly and logically.
