Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a Rural Crime Information Platform using AI and geospatial analytics.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on impactful rural community solutions.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and contribute to meaningful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rural communities while advancing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in a quantitative field and strong Python skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for autonomy and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This role will lead the technical development of a Rural Crime Information Platform, integrating social media intelligence, large language models (LLMs), geospatial analytics, and behavioural science to generate actionable insights for rural communities, insurers, and stakeholders. The postholder will design and implement end-to-end data pipelines, develop AI models to extract structured intelligence from unstructured social media data, build spatial risk models, and translate these outputs into a secure, user-facing web application. The role blends data engineering, applied AI, geostatistics and socio-behavioural modelling, supported by academic supervision and commercial mentoring. This is a high-impact, technically ambitious role at the interface of research and product development. The role will require significant autonomy and responsibility, and the postholder will be expected to operate with a high degree of technical independence while being supported through structured training and governance.
Key Responsibilities
- The KTP Associate will work closely with farmers, insurers, and rural stakeholders to ensure the platform is grounded in real world needs and delivers meaningful value.
- By incorporating behavioural and criminological insights and leading participatory design activities, they will help shape a system that is practical, trusted, and easy to use.
- They will also maintain high quality documentation, contribute to academic and technical outputs, and support commercialisation and deployment activities as the platform moves from research into field testing and real-world application.
Technical Skills, Qualifications & Attributes
- Candidates should hold a postgraduate degree in a quantitative or computational field and have strong Python skills.
- Experience with AI or NLP methods, including LLMs cloud platforms, containerisation, APIs, relational databases and data pipelines is essential.
- Skills in geospatial analysis, GIS tools, frontend development or data visualisation are advantageous, as is familiarity with user centred or behavioural research.
- The role requires analytical strength, clear communication across disciplines, and the ability to tackle open ended technical challenges with independence and creativity.
Pre-employment screening: Due to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements, we can only consider applicants who hold existing Right to Work status in the UK. Proof of RTW will be required prior to any offer being confirmed.
Application Procedure: All applications should be completed and submitted using the Harper Adams e-Recruitment programme at http://jobs.harper-adams.ac.uk To be completed no later than midnight on 19 April 2026.
If you would like an informal conversation about this role, you can contact Dr Joseph Mhango on jmhango@harper-adams.ac.uk.
Should you require any adjustments to complete your application for this role then please contact vacancies@harper-adams.ac.uk.
Applied Data Scientist - AI & Geospatial for Rural Crime employer: Harper Adams University
Contact Detail:
Harper Adams University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Applied Data Scientist - AI & Geospatial for Rural Crime
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those working in AI and geospatial analytics. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects related to data pipelines, AI models, or geospatial analysis. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss how you can apply your expertise to real-world problems, especially in rural crime contexts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Applied Data Scientist - AI & Geospatial for Rural Crime
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your Python skills, experience with AI or NLP methods, and any relevant geospatial analysis work. We want to see how you can contribute to our Rural Crime Information Platform!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission. Don’t forget to mention your experience with data pipelines and user-centred design – we love that stuff!
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on relevant projects, whether academic or personal, make sure to include them in your application. We’re interested in seeing how you’ve tackled open-ended technical challenges and applied your analytical skills in real-world scenarios.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through the Harper Adams e-Recruitment programme. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, we’re here to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harper Adams University
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python and the AI/NLP methods mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of data pipelines, cloud platforms, and geospatial analysis tools. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them effectively.
✨Understand the Real-World Impact
Since this role focuses on rural crime and community needs, take some time to research how technology can address these issues. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can translate into actionable insights for farmers and insurers. Showing that you understand the practical implications of your work will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to tackle open-ended technical questions during the interview. Think about past projects where you faced similar challenges and be ready to explain your thought process. This will demonstrate your analytical strength and creativity in problem-solving, which are key attributes for this role.
✨Communicate Clearly Across Disciplines
This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, so practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully communicated with non-technical audiences in the past. Clear communication is crucial for ensuring everyone is on the same page and for the success of the project.