Data Scientist (KTP Associate) in Newcastle

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 is a third‑party intermediary that simplifies household billing with transparent, bundled utility packages for renters and homeowners.

Benefits

• Develop managerial skills and attend two residential managerial workshops (each of one‑week duration)
• £4,000 personal training budget
• Opportunity to lead a project, develop project‑management skills and improve long‑term career prospects
• Mentoring by a Knowledge Transfer Network Adviser
• Full access to university resources to complete the project
• Ability to work in a largely self‑determined way, across the industry‑academic partnership
• Opportunities to develop both technical understanding and commercial awareness
• Possibility of studying for a higher degree or undertaking professional development

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 (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 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.
• Ability to work to deadlines.
• 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

• First degree in statistics, data science, computer science, mathematics or a related discipline.
• 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.

Contact: Prof Hongsheng Dai, hongsheng.dai@newcastle.ac.uk or Prof Kevin Wilson, kevin.wilson@newcastle.ac.uk.

Equal Opportunities

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams. We believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. We are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.