Faculty of Social Sciences

Norwich Business School

Data Scientist / Analyst (Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate)

Ref: RA2165

Starting salary from £36,333 per annum, dependant on skills and experience, with an annual increment up to £43,155 per annum

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is a research-led university and has many highly regarded innovative and research centres in the UK.

AF Group Limited (‘AF Group’), is the UK’s largest farmer-buying group, procuring £370m of farm inputs (e.g. seed, fertiliser, fuel) for 3,295 members. Employing 100 people, they provide competitive prices, a single point-of-contact and unrivalled market intelligence.

Applications are invited for the post of Data Scientist/Analyst (KTP Associate), employed by the University, to work in collaboration with AF Group on a highly rewarding and stimulating project to develop an intelligent decision support system that will enable better procurement and informed decision making.

Powered by machine learning, the new system will rely on benchmarking, multiple data sources and predictive/forecasting models to provide tailored insights for procurement team and AF members. The new system will reduce procurement costs and increase farming efficiency. This opportunity represents significant investment for the organisation with the potential for long-term employment post project.

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership is a UK Government scheme funded by Innovate UK aimed at promoting sustained and mutually beneficial relationships between universities and industry.

The research will be based at AF Group in Norwich.

You will be fully supported and mentored to nurture your talent.

You will have your own budget (£2,000 per year of the project) for training and Continued Professional Development, helping you reach your personal and professional career goals.

You should possess a post-graduate degree in business analytics or similar or equivalent professional qualification/experience and a degree in business analytics, computing sciences, economics or similar.

You should have proficiency in data analytics and languages such as SQL and Python. You should be able to manipulate, analyse, and visualise data using these tools. Additionally, some familiarity with machine learning and working with RESTful APIs, .NET, JavaScript/JavaScript frameworks and BI tools such as Tableau are desirable but not essential, as training will be provided if needed.

You should also have excellent communication, decision-making, interpersonal, organisational, and time-management skills. To apply for this job, you must have a strong commitment and passion for data analysis. You should be able to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in finding patterns, insights, and solutions in complex and diverse datasets. You should also show your willingness to learn new skills, tools, and techniques to enhance your data analysis capabilities.

This full-time post is available immediately, for a fixed-term period of 24 months and will be based at AF Group’s offices just outside Norwich (with the option to work from home one day per week as per organisational policy).

Benefits include:

• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays observed in England and Wales. For each full year of continuous service, the Employee will be entitled to an additional days holiday, up to a maximum of 7 days.
• Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working.
• Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
• Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
• Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
• Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.

Closing date:  2 January 2024

The University is a Silver Athena Swan Award holder in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.