Senior Data Scientist (Contract · London)

We are looking for a Senior Data Scientist to join a seed-stage AI project on a full-time contract basis (2–3 months, with possible extension or transition to a permanent role). The project is building a computable model of the global chemicals and materials economy.

This is a hands-on role — you will be setting the standard, not following one.

Location: London, hybrid (priority)
Start: ASAP
Format: Contract, full-time, 2–3 months

Your responsibilities will include:

• Profile and explore complex real-world industrial datasets — chemical plants, supply chains, material grades;
• Build baselines, then define evaluation sets and metrics before modelling;
• Ship classifiers and matching/inference models with measured error rates and written error analyses;
• Use LLMs where they genuinely belong — extraction, constrained labelling, code generation — with proper evals, never open-loop guessing;
• Document model decisions, failure modes, and validation approaches clearly.

What we expect from you:

• Proven track record of shipping models to production where being wrong had real consequences — and ability to explain exactly how they were validated;
• Strong Python — pandas, scikit-learn, solid statistical instincts;
• Ability to define evaluation frameworks and metrics independently, not just implement someone else's;
• An independent operator mindset — comfortable setting standards in an early-stage environment;
• Experience building LLM pipelines with real evaluation harnesses is a strong plus;
• No chemistry background needed — domain expertise is provided by the team.

Soft skills / Mindset:

• Rigorous — defines what good enough means before building, not after;
• Communicates clearly — can explain model decisions, tradeoffs, and failure modes to a non-technical audience;
• Fast — comfortable with startup pace and ambiguity;
• Honest about uncertainty — flags unknowns early rather than papering over them.

What We Offer:

• Work at a Top-employer company (according to DOU 2025);
• A strong culture built on empathy, trust, openness, and real care for employees;
• Paid vacation and sick leave;
• Team events and regular team-building activities.