THE COMPANY
The Irish Times Group is Ireland's leading independent quality news and information publishing organisation. The core activity of The Irish Times Group has evolved from six-day print publishing to a seven-day multi-platform news publisher with a market-leading position in the development of subscriptions. We focus on producing quality journalism and information for our users under the principles of The Irish Times. As well as our B2C subscriptions business we provide (B2B) media solutions for customers as we continue to grow and evolve in a fast-paced changing media landscape.
Modern journalism and publishers increasingly integrate predictive modelling and Machine Learning/AI-driven predictive analytics to anticipate trends, optimize audience engagement, improve end-user experience, (semi-)automate news production. Thus, shifting from reactive reporting to a proactive, data-informed and driven organisation.
THE ROLE
The Senior Data Scientist is responsible to design, build, test and deploy data products such as Machine Learning & AI solutions, predictive models, propensity models, personalisation algorithms, recommendation (e.g.: dynamic paywall) models, classification models, advanced analytics solutions. Work with the Head of Data Architecture and Machine Learning to identify and prioritise candidate solutions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Working alongside Business, Design, Product, Engineering and Analytics Management, the Senior Data Scientist provides overarching technical leadership in;
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Identifying data sources, automating collection and transformation processes, assessing data accuracy and consistency for the purpose of creating ML/AI solutions valuable to the business.
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Undertaking pre-processing of structured and unstructured data, creating custom data models and algorithms.
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Streamlining analysis of complex and large volume of data.
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Implementing pre-production data pipelines and production-ready advanced analytical/ML/AI solutions in an agile manner.
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Monitoring and reporting on the accuracy and overall effectiveness of data-products and relevant systems.
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Maintaining and pre-emptively improving performance of ML/AI solutions in production
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Supporting procurement processes assessing relevant aspects of technology products, including detailed evaluation of AI/ML/LLM claims from vendors.
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Developing standards in the area of ML/AI defining data-processing, data-transformation and data-modelling documentation while fostering and promoting best-practices to guarantee compliance, scalability and security of solutions.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
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Honours degree in Computer Science, Data Science or closely related disciplines.
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Expert knowledge of ML/AI algorithms such as (but not limited to) Random Forest, Boosting, Feature Selection and Ranking, ANN, Deep Learning, NLP.
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Strong understanding of Statistical and Mathematical principles and their application in ML/AI; proven experience in implementing complex mathematical algorithms.
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3 years' experience in designing, building and deploying ML/AI solutions such as predictive models, propensity models, personalisation algorithms, recommendation models, classification models.
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Demonstrated experience of delivering ML/AI based systems in a business context.
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Expert knowledge of data science and ML/AI languages and tools such as Python, Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, Spark-MLib.
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Strong understanding and hands-on experience of data storage technologies and solutions including Big Data platforms (i.e.: Snowflake, SQL-based data storage technologies)
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Strong understanding and hands-on experience of data visualisation approaches and solutions.
Preferred
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AI/ML/Data Science based Masters or PhD.
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5 years' experience in designing, building and deploying ML/AI solutions such as predictive models, propensity models, personalisation algorithms, recommendation models, classification models.
Personal Specifications
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Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
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Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
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Strong analytical and organizational abilities.
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Ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.
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Close personal alignment with the principals of the Irish Times Trust.
Please Apply via the Apply button below and we will have a closing date for applications on June 5th at 4pm.
The Irish Times Group operate a Hybrid working policy.
Our benefits include, Health Insurance contribution, Pension Contribution, Sick Leave Cover, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Irish Times & Irish Examiner Premium Digital Subscription, Income Protection Policy, Corporate Gym Membership discounts, Free Digital GP and Life Assurance Policy.
