Data Scientist (KTP Associate) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle University is a world-class UK University, advancing knowledge, providing creative solutions and solving global problems. Newcastle University in Singapore has been providing top-quality degrees in Singapore for over a decade and has graduated more than 1,000 students. We deliver jointly awarded undergraduate Newcastle University degrees with Singapore Institute of Technology in various engineering disciplines.

At Newcastle Research and Innovation Institute, we provide postgraduate education and training with MScs in Electrical Power Engineering, Energy and Sustainability, Marine Technology and Process Safety and Risk Management as well as research degrees (PhD, MPhil). Attracting and retaining staff of the highest calibre is our priority.

The Role: One Utility Bill Limited and Newcastle University are offering an exciting opportunity to develop a data-driven software model that accurately predicts the energy usage for every residential property in the UK - for use in utility bill management. The modelling will utilise time series analysis and machine learning methods. One Utility Bill simplifies household billing with transparent, bundled utility packages for renters and homeowners.

Based at One Utility Bill, you will be supported by an interdisciplinary team from Newcastle University, led by Prof. Hongsheng Dai, who has expertise in statistical methodology and applications. You will also be supported by a senior supervisor from One Utility Bill, with expertise in financial control.

Key Tasks:

• Anomaly and outlier detection using advanced statistical techniques.
• Develop and apply statistical models (such as seasonal ARIMA models) under a Bayesian framework and machine learning models (such as LSTM), to forecast energy usage at the household level.
• Develop advanced forecasting algorithms by incorporating external variables (e.g. weather, EPC rating), missing data and heterogeneous data patterns.
• Translate outputs into pricing strategies.
• Disseminate findings through reports, research papers and conferences.
• Work with colleagues in One Utility Bill to successfully integrate a range of data sources and developed algorithms into a single platform.
• Communicate high-level technical concepts to non-specialists.

The Person: Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Strong theoretical and applied knowledge in time series analysis.
• Strong theoretical and applied knowledge in Bayesian inference and computational statistics, including advanced methods such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC).
• Good theoretical and applied knowledge in artificial intelligence and statistical learning models.
• Knowledge in data engineering (missing data imputation, outlier detection).
• Excellent experience in R/Python programming.

Desirable:

• Strong foundation in theoretical statistics, with the ability to apply rigorous statistical principles to complex modelling problems.
• Knowledge of optimisation.
• Experience of project management, the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Attributes and Behaviour:

• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• The ability to work to deadlines.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels to different stakeholder groups in both academia and industry.
• Good attention to detail.
• A natural problem solver.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.

Qualifications / Experience:

• A first degree in statistics, data science, computer science, mathematics or a related discipline.
• A higher degree (ideally PhD) in statistics, data science, optimisation or artificial intelligence.

To apply, please attach your CV and a cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria for the position, as outlined in the Person Specification of the Job Description. Any requested additional documents required as part of your application should be included within the same file as your cover letter. The total file size must not exceed 10MB.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.