Principal Data Scientist

Valtech
Edinburgh
4 months ago
Applications closed

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Overview

As a Principal Data Scientist, you bring a wealth of commercial experience applying data science to solve complex business challenges. You are equally comfortable designing predictive models, exploring emerging technologies, and explaining data science concepts to non-technical stakeholders. With a consulting mindset, you know how to uncover business value, shape opportunities in pre-sales, and guide clients through successful data science adoption.


What You Will Thrive In This Role If You Are

  • A curious problem solver who challenges the status quo
  • Comfortable bridging the gap between technical data science and client business needs
  • Passionate about innovation and exploring “what’s next” in AI and ML
  • Experienced in working within Agile methodologies and consultancy environments
  • Committed to mentoring and developing data scientists in our team

Role Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of advanced predictive and traditional ML models
  • Provide technical guidance to teams and clients, ensuring best practices in ML development and deployment
  • Contribute expertise in ML Ops, supporting clients as they take models into production environments
  • Ensure delivery quality and technical excellence across all phases of an AI/ML project
  • Stay at the forefront of new data science and AI trends
  • Evaluate and experiment with emerging techniques, tools, and frameworks
  • Help clients understand the real-world business value of innovation in data science
  • Represent Valtech externally through conference speaking, publishing white papers, and blogging
  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior business and technical stakeholders
  • Collaborate in pre-sales alongside Valtech’s business development teams, shaping data science opportunities and proposals
  • Translate complex data science concepts into clear, compelling narratives for non-technical audiences
  • Run workshops and discovery sessions with clients to identify high-impact data opportunities

Must-have Qualifications

  • Extensive experience delivering AI/ML systems with proven commercial impact
  • Strong background in predictive modelling, statistical techniques, and Machine Learning
  • Demonstrated consulting experience - able to present and influence at senior levels
  • Ability to explain complex data science concepts in simple, business-focused language
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and client-facing skills
  • Appetite for continuous learning and innovation
  • Knowledge of Generative AI models and techniques (e.g. LLMs, transformer architecture, RAG)
  • Upper-intermediate English level

Nice-to-have Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience designing and deploying Generative AI solutions, including Agentic AI systems
  • Familiarity with cloud-based data science platforms (AWS Sagemaker, GCP Vertex AI, Azure ML)
  • Experience with MLOps practices and taking models into production environments
  • Exposure to modern data engineering practices and integration with data pipelines
  • Pre-sales experience, including proposal writing and solution shaping
  • Familiarity with promoting responsible and ethical AI practices, including data governance, transparency, and fairness in model development

Seniority level

  • Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Full-time

Job function

  • Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

  • IT Services and IT Consulting

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