At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Data Scientist

Permanent

Manchester: £43,650 - £49,664

Hybrid – 2x days a week in the office

Introduction

AQA's is leading the educational assessment world with ethical AI solutions which ensure to never let a learner down. You’ll be joining a forward-thinking team at AQA where innovation meets impact. This is your chance to shape the future of assessment through cutting-edge data science and AI solutions. You’ll be part of a collaborative environment alongside other value-driven data scientists and technical staff who prize creativity, experimentation and continuous improvement. Whether you're developing new models or exploring emerging technologies, your work will help transform how we deliver assessments and support learners. This is a role where your ideas will be heard, your expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a real difference

Purpose of the role

You’ll lead the development of advanced solutions leveraging cutting-edge data science and AI that enhance business performance and support AQA’s strategic goals, working closely with colleagues all across AQA. From Python applications to bespoke AI services within wider solutions, your work will help deliver meaningful insights and drive innovation across the organisation and the wider assessment world. Your expertise will help shape the direction of AQA’s innovation programme, ensuring that our use of data and technology remains at the forefront of the education sector, presenting your work at international conferences. This role is central to our ambition to lead digital change and create assessment solutions that are fair, accessible and future-ready.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Scoping, leading and managing data science projects aligned with AQA’s innovation and AI workstreams.
• Communicating complex technical outcomes to senior and non-technical stakeholders through presentations and demonstrations.

What we are looking for

You’ll thrive in this role if you’re a creative problem-solver with a passion for data science and innovation.

 

• Experience developing applications using Python and version control tools.
• Broad knowledge of databases and data structures, with a willingness to learn AQA’s systems.
• Understanding of machine learning, NLP, deep learning and large language models would be beneficial
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to think analytically and creatively to solve complex problems.

What’s in it for you

• This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact while growing your career in a supportive and innovative environment.
• Work on high-impact projects that shape the future of assessment.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• A 35-hour week and a flexible working culture.
• 25 days’ holiday, rising to 30 with service – plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure.
• An enhanced contributory pension scheme – you could pay in 7% and AQA contributes 11.5% (other options available).
• Comprehensive health coverage from day one – including Bupa PMI, Health Cash Plan, and Life Assurance.
• Access to eco-friendly transport schemes, including cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing.
• Strong commitment to personal and professional development.

Diversity and inclusion statement

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Application deadline: Tuesday 30th September. Interviews will be conducted in Manchester on the 9th/10th October and onboarding will begin shortly after.

 

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

The role devises and develops advanced data science solutions for the business. This could include Python applications, insights through data mining, and bespoke AI services that improve or enhance business performance, assessment functioning, and projects which deliver for AQA’s innovation programme.
As a Data Scientist, you will lead the creation and delivery of projects in conjunction with your manager, using your expertise to propose and implement suitable approaches which align with our values and strategic objectives. The postholder will also work with colleagues across the business to utilise AQA’s data assets and relevant technology to support and enhance business performance, produce customised analyses and provide insights for specific business. This will require applying and developing specialist knowledge of appropriate software, technologies and techniques, including keeping abreast of developments in data science and AI through formal and informal training and development and attending conferences.Landscape:
The role sits within the Standards and Innovation team, a team consisting of a wide range of specialist data science, statistical and psychometric roles. The team sits within the Assessment Research & Innovation business area, and works alongside the Data Analytics team and Research & Evaluation teams. This role and the Data Science function within Standards and Innovation is focused upon the delivery of projects and proof of concepts using data science, application development, machine learning and generative AI to innovate on operational delivery and new assessment products.
This is a key role in achieving our strategic goals to Shape the Future and to Lead Digital Change, by leveraging cutting edge technology to develop the solutions of tomorrow.

Activities:
Scope, lead and manage data science projects related to AQA’s innovation and AI workstreams
Develop at pace and deliver front-end and back-end applications, proof-of-concepts and insights powered by AI or machine learning
Provide proactive advice and guidance to colleagues on AI and data science related issues, and how these may relate to their work
Build effective working relationships with internal colleagues, influencing thinking in relation to AI and data science solutions
Communicate through presentations and demonstrations, complex technical information, applications outcomes to senior and non-technical stakeholders.
Provide comprehensive and user-friendly data intelligence to users as required
Represent the team on AQA and external groups, sharing insights to inform and support decision making
Contribute to a motivated and positive team culture, focused on delivery and continuous improvement
Ensure that projects meet business needs flexibly, responsively, and to agreed time, cost and quality criteria
Develop knowledge of approaches to AI and data science, ensuring that all work uses appropriate methods, reviewing the impact of approaches taken by similar organisations
Work with others to achieve the organisation and team vision, modelling AQA’s values and behaviours, contributing expertise and developing self to achieve excellence


To be successful in this role, you will need to know:

Understanding of key data science concepts including machine learning, natural language processing, deep learning, large language models, and cluster analysis
Knowledge and experience of developing applications and proofs of concepts using Python or other programming languages including use of version control, in contexts such as data mining, machine learning, or pattern recognition
A broad understanding of databases, data structures and their interrogation including a willingness to acquire a detailed knowledge and understanding of AQA’s databases
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to build rapport with a diverse range of stakeholders
Ability to understand stakeholder requirements and translate those into actionable tasks
The ability to think analytically, to understand and synthesise complex, diverse and incomplete information and to present reasoned arguments
The ability to interpret complex quantitative and qualitative information to support sound decision making
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Ability and willingness to constructively challenge the thinking of others
Ability to think creatively and solve complex problems
Ability to assess risk and recommend actions