Senior Principal Data Scientist

Senior Principal Data Scientist

Research & Development

Permanent - Full Time

Location: London, GB, W12 7TP or Salford, GB, M50 2QH

Job Closing Date:17/04/2025

THE ROLE

Job Requisition:21462
Band:E
Salary range:Up To £118,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
Contract type:Permanent
Location:London - London Broadcast Centre or Salford - Quay House 1 day a week Hybrid.

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

Excellent career progression– the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.
Unrivalled training and development opportunities– our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.
Benefits:We offer a negotiable salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme, and discounted dental, health care and gym.

If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process please contact . For any general queries, please contact .

Job introduction

BBC R&D has a long-standing reputation for industry-leading and transformative research and innovation. The AI Research team within BBC R&D focuses on applying Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence across the BBC, collaborating closely with other Applied Research Areas in the R&D, BBC Product and Technology groups, and senior business stakeholders to accelerate ML-driven innovation.

Reporting to the Head of AI Research, the Senior Principal Data Scientist will lead a team of ML researchers, with a strong focus on NLP.

Main responsibilities

1. Provide technical leadership for projects involving fine tuning/ alignment of large language models.
2. Lead the design and development of scalable generative language and multimodal models and algorithms.
3. Mentor and guide a team of individual contributors, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
4. Set clear expectations and create a positive work environment, collaborating closely with the engineering team.
5. Contribute to the AI Research Team’s portfolio by publishing novel research in top-tier journals and conferences.

Are you the right candidate?

1. Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Computer Science or a related field.
2. Extensive experience in machine learning, with a focus on NLP/LLMs.
3. Proven track record of research excellence.
4. Deep understanding of machine learning systems, from concept through to deployment, with the ability to communicate effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
5. Proficiency with machine learning frameworks, such as PyTorch.
6. Hands-on experience with the latest technologies and models in NLP.
7. Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with software development best practices.
8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
9. Passion for innovation.

About the BBC

The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC for different reasons and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. We value and respect every individuals unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

BBC Group and Public Services, Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, United Kingdom, W1A 1AA. BBC Studios Distribution Limited, company no: 01420028, registered address: 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, United Kingdom W12 7FA.

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