At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI-driven projects to digitise and make natural science collections accessible.
- Company: Join a world-class museum dedicated to science and biodiversity.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid working model and a vibrant, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact using AI to unlock knowledge and inspire others.
- Qualifications: Experience in machine learning, AI development, and collaborative problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € 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 1100 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’re looking for a Data Scientist to play a leading role in SCRIBE (Structured Collection Records Interpretation and Bio‑entity Extraction), an ambitious AI‑driven project transforming how natural science collections are digitised and made accessible. Based within the Natural History Museum’s AI & Innovation team, you will help develop cutting‑edge AI tools that automate the extraction of structured data from historic collection records and manuscripts. Working with colleagues across the Museum and partner institutions throughout the UK, your work will contribute to a major national effort to unlock more than 137 million natural science specimens held across UK collections. Scribe builds on a successful pilot programme and will turn an early proof of concept into a scalable, production‑ready platform that can be shared across the cultural and research sector. Using technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) and Computer Vision (CV), you will lead the development of models for document layout detection, field extraction and semantic post‑processing, integrating these into robust AI workflows and production pipelines. You’ll work closely with machine learning researchers, software engineers, curators and digitisation specialists to develop open, reusable AI tools that support large‑scale biodiversity and heritage digitisation. This role offers the opportunity to apply advanced AI techniques to real‑world scientific and cultural challenges, helping to shape how collections data is created, accessed and used in the future.
About You
Are you a Data Scientist who enjoys applying AI and machine learning to complex, real‑world problems? If you’re excited by the opportunity to develop production‑ready AI systems with meaningful scientific and cultural impact, this could be the role for you. You bring strong experience in machine learning and AI development, including practical experience with technologies such as LLMs, Computer Vision and deep learning workflows. You are comfortable designing, training and evaluating models, and understand how to deploy scalable AI solutions within production environments. You enjoy working collaboratively across disciplines and can communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders. Whether working with engineers, researchers or collections specialists, you are able to translate complex challenges into practical, well‑designed solutions. If you thrive in innovative, research‑led environments and enjoy balancing experimentation with delivery, you will excel in this role. Experience working within the GLAM sector or with digitisation workflows would be advantageous, but most importantly, you are motivated by using AI to unlock access to knowledge and create tools with lasting public and scientific value.
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 cafés
- Training initiatives and opportunities to build skills.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council, including access to up to 300 English Heritage sites and national treasures.
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association, including access to an in‑house gym, clubs and classes.
Hybrid Working
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 Scientist, SCRIBE employer: Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Data Scientists to engage in groundbreaking AI projects that have a significant impact on biodiversity and heritage digitisation. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, a collaborative work culture, and generous benefits including 27.5 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, the Museum fosters an environment where employees can thrive and contribute to meaningful scientific advancements. Located in London, employees also enjoy access to a wealth of cultural experiences and resources, making it an inspiring place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist, SCRIBE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Museum or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a project that highlights your experience with AI and machine learning. Bring it up during interviews to demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss real-world applications of your work. The Museum is all about making an impact, so think of examples where your data science skills have made a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
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 being part of our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist, SCRIBE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and machine learning shine through. We want to see how excited you are about tackling real-world problems and making a difference in the natural world!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience with technologies like LLMs and Computer Vision. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've applied these skills in past projects, so don’t hold back!
Collaborative Spirit:Since this role involves working with a diverse team, emphasise your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical folks. Share instances where you’ve successfully collaborated across disciplines.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Know Your AI Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Large Language Models, Computer Vision, and deep learning workflows. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these technologies in past projects, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
This role involves working with a diverse team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Highlight any experiences where you translated complex challenges into practical solutions.
✨Understand the Museum's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Museum's vision and values, especially around diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment.
✨Prepare for Real-World Applications
Think about how your work can have a meaningful impact on scientific and cultural challenges. Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used AI to unlock access to knowledge or create tools with lasting value, as this will resonate well with their mission.
