Job Title: Principal Data Scientist
Salary: GBP 74,200 : GBP 99,250
Location: Cambridge/Hybrid with 2 day per week at the office
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Are you excited by the challenge of applying data science and AI to problems that genuinely matter? At Cambridge Assessment, we are transforming how assessments are designed, delivered and marked worldwide. As a Principal Data Scientist, you will play a pivotal role at the heart of this transformation leading our data science capability for AI:enabled assessment products used by millions of learners globally.
We are Cambridge University Press and Assessment, a world:leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and a proud part of the University of Cambridge.
This is a senior, influential role where you will combine deep technical expertise with strategic leadership. You will shape our data strategy, lead and mentor a growing team, and work closely with researchers, engineers and product teams to turn complex data into insight, innovation and trusted solutions.
About the role
As Principal Data Scientist, you will lead the operational data science and analytics capability within our Assessment and Research Capabilities (ARC) function. You will be the data leader for automarking, representing ARCs data capability across Exam Technology and the wider organisation.
You will: Set the direction for data science and analytics supporting automarking and AI:driven assessment Lead and grow a small, high:impact team of data scientists and engineers Curate high:quality data products used across research, machine learning and product teams Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, influencing product and research decisions with evidence and insight Ensure sensitive exam and candidate data is handled responsibly and ethically Additional responsibilities and accountabilities include: Lead data science, data engineering and analytics activities within ARC Define and own the data strategy for automarking and related AI capabilities Design and oversee data warehouses, pipelines and integrations with the wider organisation Translate complex business and research needs into robust data solutions Provide expert input into product, research and architectural decisions, up to board level Build strong relationships with internal teams and external research partners Champion best practice in data quality, DataOps and analytics engineering This position has been classified as a hybrid role, requiring the selected candidate to typically spend 40:60 of their time collaborating and connecting face:to:face at their dedicated location. Aside from our hybrid principles, other flexible working requests will be considered from the first day of employment, including other work arrangements should you require adjustments due to a disability or long:term health condition.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will bring: Extensive experience in data science, analytics or analytics engineering in a complex environment Advanced SQL skills, including writing, analysing and optimising large analytical queries Strong experience with a data science programming language such as Python, R or Julia Hands:on experience with data transformation tools such as dbt, Dataform or SQLMesh Experience using BI and visualisation tools such as Metabase, Looker, Tableau or Power BI A strong understanding of data warehousing principles (e.g. Kimball methodology) Experience designing data models that enable self:service analytics Proven ability to translate business or research questions into data:driven insights Experience communicating complex technical concepts to non:technical and senior audiences Leadership experience, including mentoring and guiding other data professionals If you meet the above minimum requirements, we encourage you. Your application will be even stronger if you can also demonstrate the following desirable cri