At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of innovative data solutions for a world-class museum.
- Company: Join the Natural History Museum, a leading science research centre with a mission for sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension scheme, training opportunities, and discounts at museums and cafes.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on collaboration and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on scientific and societal challenges while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in data modelling, database design, and systems integration is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About Us
We are a world‑class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website. Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 1,100 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world. Diversity and inclusion matter to us. Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Data Architect to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the data architecture for the Unlocked programme. This is a unique opportunity to lead the design, development and governance of complex data solutions that support the movement and management of 38 million specimens, while ensuring seamless integration with wider Museum systems and datasets. Working at the intersection of business needs, scientific data and technology, you will develop logical and physical data models, drive data quality and security standards, oversee data migration and mapping activities, and define future data architecture roadmaps. Collaborating closely with project teams, stakeholders and technical specialists, you will translate strategic requirements into sustainable, innovative data solutions that deliver long‑term value and support the successful delivery of this landmark programme.
About you
Are you looking for an opportunity to shape the data architecture behind one of the most ambitious collections moves programmes in the world? Do you want to apply your expertise in data modelling, database design and systems integration to solve complex, real‑world challenges with lasting scientific and societal impact? If you enjoy translating complex business challenges into elegant technical solutions, are motivated by creating sustainable data capabilities that deliver measurable value, and are seeking a role where your work will leave a lasting legacy, this could be the next exciting step in your career.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
What we offer
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in‑house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
- Hybrid working
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first‑hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
Data Architect, NHM Unlocked employer: National History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Data Architect to contribute to groundbreaking projects that have a lasting impact on both science and society. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, a supportive work culture, and generous benefits including extensive training initiatives, hybrid working options, and a focus on employee growth, the Museum fosters an environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful difference in the world. Join us in our mission to inspire millions and care for our planet, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of one of London's most iconic institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Architect, NHM Unlocked
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like National History Museum!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Data Architect, NHM Unlocked at National History Museum.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like National History Museum.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Data Architect, NHM Unlocked at National History Museum, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Architect, NHM Unlocked
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at National History Museum, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at National History Museum. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at National History Museum
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at National History Museum!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
