Data Scientist.UK – Exeter

Job description As a data scientist at Sparx, you’ll be untangling and utilising the incredible volume of data the Sparx system generates. The volume, and richness of our data set just keeps growing – one year group in one school generates 10,000 data points in just one day. We’re not talking about analysing markets, or survey results. This is the human mind. And you’ll be working out how to help it evolve.
You’ll be responsible for analysing our data as it grows, implementing sophisticated algorithms and analytical routines to work in real-time in the classroom, and working offline to extract – and communicate to the team – insights from the data that will drive Sparx forward.


Location: Sparx Head Office in Exeter
Term: Full time, Permanent
Salary: £22-50k dependent on experience (plus generous benefits and relocation package)
Reporting to: Head of Analytics
Deadline for applications: 15th March 2013, although applications will be considered on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible
About Sparx
Sparx is revolutionising the way students learn and teachers teach. In a big way. We’re developing an extraordinary new technology for the classroom that is redefining the limits of what young people can achieve.
Imagine a classroom in which every student receives an individualised learning experience. Imagine a classroom in which a teacher has detailed insight into each child’s strengths and struggles. That classroom is one using Sparx.
We’re looking for people with a deep passion for education and a belief in the power of technology to improve it. Things move fast at Sparx so we need people who assume excellence is a given and who are ambitious, creative and technically brilliant. People who want a challenge; people who want to make a difference.
So, if you are looking for a new challenge, and want to come and join an education revolution, read on…
About you
You could work in a top bank or hedge fund, or lead the statistics department in a University. But you know their data isn’t a patch on what we’re dealing with here at Sparx. Complicated mathematics comes naturally to you, you devour data and are quite at home working with vast, messy data sets. You’re obsessed with finding out how, and why, things work. With a passion for the value of quantitative research, your approach is iterative and scientific, and your attention to detail is second to none. But as well as having the excellent technical knowledge and ability to get on with it under your own steam, you’ll also be eloquent in bringing the data to life for those that aren’t quite as, well…‘in it’ as you.
We are recruiting for both entry-level, and more experienced candidates.
Our team
We work hard, and we play hard. You’ll be able to see Dartmoor from your office window, and get to the beach in 20 minutes.
Our generous benefits include substantial holiday leave and the chance to join our share scheme and company pension once you’ve completed your probationary period. We also have a range of on-site facilities for all employees to use free of charge. There’s a netball court and a five-a-side football pitch just outside, an on-site gym with classes throughout the day, a running track and pool table, a 2012 Olympic table tennis table and a café serving delicious and organic food. Did we mention it’s all free? On top of this, we’re constantly organising events and activities to support our charities, and to socialise.
We trust our team and want them to work in the way that suits them best; whether that’s flexible hours, working from home or creating brilliance while wearing flip flops. Finally, pick your technical set up and we’ll get it – whatever works for you.
To find out more, and to see the other roles we are recruiting for, please visit our website at www.sparx.co.uk.
Apply now
If this sounds like the role for you, send your CV and covering letter to recruitment@sparx.co.uk explaining how you are that energy we need. The closing date for all applications is 15th March 2013, although applications will be considered on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. Please also let us know where you saw this job advertised.