Geospatial Data Scientist

Oxford Economics
London
1 year ago
Applications closed

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Geospatial Data Scientist

Department:Cities & Regions

Employment Type:Full Time

Location:London, UK


Description

Oxford Economics, a leading economic forecasting and consulting firm, is looking for a Geospatial Data Scientist to join our cities team to help enhance the use of data science and spatial analytics within our city regional economic monitoring and forecasting services, and related location analytics projects. The cities team produce datasets and forecasts for thousands of regions globally, including markets where traditional datasets are scarce. We use geospatial datasets and machine learning to supplement our datasets across a number of fields; such as estimating GDP, analysing urban dynamics, and quantifying physical risks associated with climate change. These geospatial datasets combine with fundamental economic relationships to provide a range of clients with insights relating to market sizing, growth, and risk.

A recent example of our analysis in this field has been the introduction of geospatial datasets to our climate change scenarios product. To best assess the economic vulnerability of regions to the rising impacts of physical risk events such as flooding, wildfire, and drought, we needed to identify areas of economic activity at a hyper-local level. Our team used satellite imaging, particularly night-time lights datasets, to produce hyper-localised estimates of GDP. We then combined this understanding of economic activity with geospatial analysis of various climactic risks to create regional economic vulnerability scores to climate-related physical risk events. The team have built geospatial algorithms to support this analysis and are constantly improving and enhancing the data modelling and processing systems with new models, datasets, and software. The successful candidate will most likely be someone with experience in processing large-scale satellite imagery datasets (both vector and raster), and someone with experience in building machine learning algorithms for large-scale image processing and model building in R, QGIS, and/or python.

The role would suit someone with 3 to 5 years of experience working in economic geography, geospatial analytics, data science, or machine learning. The successful candidate will work on multiple research projects, contributing to the outputs of the cities team in various ways such as developing innovative methodologies, analysing data, drafting high-quality deliverables, and presenting results to clients. With experience, they will progress to designing analytical frameworks, leading client interactions, and project management. In the role, they will collaborate with other teams at Oxford Economics, utilising different expertise to provide powerful solutions. The role involves working with diverse clients worldwide and therefore strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

The cities team consists of more than 40 economists who help clients understand the structure of city and regional economies, how they will develop in the future, and the implications for their business and strategy. The team’s client base is global, and includes firms in the real estate sector, financial services, B2C companies, think tanks, and the government/public sector organisations. Recent examples of the work produced by the wider cities team is available to view on ourResource Hub.


Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will contribute to all aspects of the production, delivery and development of our existing city forecasting services. This includes:
  • Developing innovative geospatial datasets to enhance estimates of regional economic activity and trends;
  • Undertaking robust and rigorous analysis in the delivery of consultancy projects including applying quantitative analytical techniques to large datasets using a variety of tools;
  • Building solutions to support clients make better informed decisions using different forecasting methods, statistical models, and GIS solutions;
  • Taking the lead on aspects of project work, managing them from inception to completion addressing challenges along the way, including managing whole projects with the support of a project director;
  • Working with senior colleagues to develop research proposals, innovative methodologies, and developing proposals to meet client requirements,
  • Taking the initiative in suggesting ways to strengthen the quality of our analysis, including exploring new areas of application, with progression to proactively developing new business opportunities.
  • Communicating with clients and potential clients effectively, responding promptly and positively to their enquiries, with progression to leading on existing and potential client relationships;
  • Being able to plan and structure your own workload, balancing priorities across projects and other responsibilities with line manager support, with the potential for progression to line management responsibilities; and,
  • Supporting the continued development of the team, sharing knowledge and expertise, and mentoring junior colleagues, and bringing new ideas and techniques to the team.


Candidate Requirements

The successful candidate should have a genuine interest in data analytics and economics and is likely to have 3 to 5 years of professional experience in a comparable position. Skills and qualifications relevant to this role include:
  • Strong academic education in economics, geography, computer science or related discipline;
  • Excellent analytical and quantitative skills;
  • Experience in using database programming languages using software such as R, Python, Stata, QGIS, or EViews;
  • Experience with geospatial-specific statistical modelling, such as geographically weighted regression, spatial autoregressive modelling, as well as traditional econometric models;
  • Experience with leveraging machine learning techniques for both classification and regression outputs;
  • Experience in analysing and modelling large geospatial datasets using GIS and/or statistical modelling software; and,
  • Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain technical concepts and quantitative results to non-specialists.
  • Experience with climate variables and/or climate modelling is desirable but not required.


Benefits

Here are some of the benefits we offer in the UK to ensure you feel valued, supported, and thrive at work:

- Private Healthcare
- Employee Assistance Program
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Workplace Nursery Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Hybrid/Flexible Working
- Team Gatherings and Connection Boost!

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