Data Scientist

British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

BTO is looking for a Data Scientist to join our Data Science and Bioacoustics team to assist in the development of tools for acquisition, analysis and reporting of data relating to UK
birds and wildlife. The successful candidate will join a team of ecologists, statisticians and data scientists working on a range of projects using large datasets generated by citizen scientists and our professional research staff..

The successful applicant will have a strong computer science background and a keen interest in the natural world to apply deep learning and data mining to our unique datasets to provide insights to support bird conservation. Experience in bioacoustics and deep learning methods for analysis of acoustic data are highly desirable.

This position is ideally based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk but working from our other country offices may be negotiable. You will also be able to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime and flexible start and finish times can also be accommodated to ensure a flexible work-life balance.

You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under ‘supporting documents’ in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role in
more detail.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?

BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone.

Our values
We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER

  • £31,998 per annum
  • Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
  • Paid ‘journey days’ (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying.
  • Life assurance (four times salary)
  • 11% employer pension contribution
  • Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a number of free counselling sessions if they are needed.
  • Enhanced sick pay
  • Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay. Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
  • Retail discounts
  • Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
  • Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (30% off)
  • Free access to BTO training courses
  • Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish times (where this meets business needs)
  • Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
  • Free car parking
  • Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
  • Coaching and mentoring scheme
  • Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, and our staff group creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
  • Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
  • Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications is 1st September and Interviews will be held in Thetford on Wednesday 11th September.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made.


As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.


We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic background, you’ll be guaranteed a first stage interview.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)

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