Data Scientist (KTP Associate)

The role:

An exciting opportunity has become available for a graduate to work full time on a 2-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to develop advanced AI capabilities that will unlock the next level of market insights in the Kids, Parents and Family sector.

Employed and supported by an academic team from the University, you will be based at The Insights Family premises in Manchester.

Company Information:

Founded in 2017, The Insights Family (formerly The Insights People) have expanded to provide real-time market intelligence on kids, young people, and parents across 6 continents and 22 countries. Its award winning, class of one methodology has seen the company firmly established itself as the global leader in kids, young people, and parents market intelligence. Find out more about The Insights Family.

Qualifications we require:

Hold, or be about to obtain, a master's degree in statistics, analytics or computer science, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).

A doctoral level qualification involving methodologies deploying advanced statistical, mathematical or algorithmic techniques, or directly relating to AI and large language models, is desirable

Application requirements:

The following are essential requirements:

• Breadth of technical knowledge in relation to the use of technology and data science solutions in a business or research context, and experience of data transformation, data analysis and statistics.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to non-experts and engage with stakeholders,
• Demonstrable research skills and experience of good scientific practice.

In addition, the following are desirable:

• Industry experience in supporting/leading/training AI projects or similar technology-led strategic growth/product initiatives, particularly within the Market Research sector,
• Knowledge of database operations and data pipelines.
• Knowledge of python.

About KTP:

For 50 years, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) have been helping to innovate for growth by connecting businesses that have an innovation idea with the academic expertise to help deliver it. Currently around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases and over 800 graduates are involved in KTPs - collaborative, transformative three-way partnerships creating positive impact and driving innovation.

Benefits:

• £2,000 per year to spend on personal training
• opportunity to register on a higher degree at a reduced cost
• opportunity of a permanent position with the company: 70% of host companies make a permanent job offer to their Associate at the end of the project

For an informal discussion, please contact Professor Paul Smith, psmith@mmu.ac.uk, Sarah Penney, s.penney@mmu.ac.uk or Dr Richard Wainwright ric.wainwright@theinsightsfamily.com.

Interviews are expected to take place either w/c 6th April or w/c 13th April 2026.

Apply by clicking the Apply button and submit a CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria for the role.

Only applications with a covering letter will be considered.

Due to the nature of KTP funding, those who have already completed more than 1 year of a KTP are not eligible to apply.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.     

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.     

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.     

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.