Data Science Lead

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is the world’s leading independent authority on global security issues, providing information and analysis on a wide range of international security and geopolitical risk questions. The Institute conducts research on the problems of conflict, however caused, that may have a significant military dimension, and analyses international trends, including economic developments, which may have strategic implications. The Institute convenes high-level conferences and events that bring together government officials, recognised experts, opinion-formers and business leaders at the most senior level, in order to enhance diplomatic exchanges and to enable the crafting of more effective policy on strategic matters. The IISS is headquartered in London and has international offices in Bahrain, Berlin, Singapore and Washington DC.

Summary of role:

Based in London, the IISS is looking for an experienced data scientist to work with our globally recognized subject matter experts, to design a program of data science analysis on diverse global topics such as geopolitical trends, defense economics and conflict analysis. Our strategic long-term goal is to build a data science unit, using a range of data science techniques that will enhance our current research programs and publications using exciting data visualizations for politicians, academia, industry executives and the public to assist in understanding and visualizing trends, initiating public discussion and to inform our core external stakeholders.

In doing so, we will focus on the geo-political and geo-economic data sets, supplemented by our own research portfolio. We want to explore defense spending data, the interaction between strategic political changes and economic trends, and other complex issues covered by our wide range of research programs.

We are looking for a data scientist who wants to use analytical skills to contribute to the current political and social challenges in the global strategic studies arena.  This position will work with various research experts at the IISS to develop relevant questions, identify data, carry out analysis and communicate results in our publications. Your task is also to build the business case to establish data science as a new capability within our organization and to set up and manage your own data science unit working closely with Research and Technology.

The core tasks and responsibilities include:

• Development of data and statistical models in cooperation with the technical experts of the IISS.
• Assessing which problems can be cost effectively solved by the appliance of data science techniques or machine learning.
• Collection, structuring and analysis of large amounts of 
• Visualization and description of analysis results for different publication formats.
• Establishment of a network of methodology freelancers, datasuppliers and other service providers or cooperation partners.
• Strategic development of the datascience capability within the IISS.

 The successful candidate will:

• Hold a degree in a relevant field such as mathematics, statistics, computer science or business informatics.
• Have a background in social sciences with an emphasis on strong quantitative skills.
• Have strong technical skills and the ability to turn analytical know-how into code and models using tools such as R or languages such as Python.
• Have a proven track record in using data science toolkits (e.g. Python/Pandas/Scikit-learn, R, TensorFlow) as well as adding data sets from any sources (e.g. SQL databases, REST APIs or even PDFs) extract and further process.
• Have the ability to analyse complex relationships and enjoy solving challenging problems.
• Have the ability to visualize and explain work results in a way that is understandable for laypeople.
• Have a strong interest in geo-political and defense issues and their influence on politics, economy, and society.

Application

To apply please go on our careers page on our website and send your CV and cover letter highlighting your experience and the skills you will bring to the IISS by pressing the blue 'applynow’ button on the left-hand side of the screen on the Data Science Lead job ad.

Only applications received via IISS website will be considered for this position.

This position is a fixed-term contract for 12 months with potential for renewal/permanent employment. The salary offered will be competitive and accompanied by a full benefits package.

Candidates must have eligibility to work in the UK. The IISS regrets that it cannot sponsor visas for this position. Due to the volume of expected applications, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.