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