Data Scientist

• locations
• Manchester

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted Today

• time left to apply
• End Date: October 1, 2025 (11 days left to apply)

• job requisition id
• R6998

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.
• Developing and delivering applications, proof-of-concepts and insights powered by AI or machine learning.
• 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

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

About Us

AQA is an independent charity that sets and marks over half of all GCSEs and A-levels in the UK every year. Our purpose is to advance education by helping students and teachers to realise their potential. As part of AQA, you’ll very quickly appreciate the determination and unwavering passion to deliver this goal in everything we do. To help drive these ambitions, AQA invests in the development of its people by offering a range of professional development and learning opportunities leading to over 50% of our permanent roles being filled internally.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have any requirements for reasonable adjustments in relation to the application, interview or the prospective job, please contact Faye Harrison (she/her) at fharrison@aqa.org.uk or on

07813 724161. We are asking for this information to make the process as equitable as possible for each candidate. Please note that Faye will not be able to assist you with enquiries regarding Temporary vacancies or non-recruitment enquiries. If you have query regarding Temporary vacancies, please contact:

temprecruit@aqa.org.uk

Smart Working

We’re operating a smart working model. This allows for our colleagues to work from two days a week in one of our offices across England.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Conflict of Interest

Please note that due to the confidential nature of our work, we are unable to employ people for our temporary roles who are currently a candidate for Key Stage 4 and 5 public examinations.

Safeguarding

AQA is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. We’re dedicated to reducing the risk of employing or contracting any person intent on abusing their position of trust, along with identifying and responding to any incident of alleged abuse from its employees or associates fairly and swiftly.

For more information on safeguarding at AQA please visit the AQA website here. 

Contact

Temporary roles: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk
Permanent and Fixed Term roles: opportunities@aqa.org.uk