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Women in Data®

Associate Data Scientist

Hybrid

London, United kingdom

Full Time

28-01-2026

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Skills

Python SQL Decision-making Presentation Skills Regression Programming git Agile Data Science

Job Specifications

Job Term (e.g. FTC/Perm): Permanent
Job: Location: London

What you'll do

As a Data Scientist and member of our Data Science team, you will play a pivotal role in developing in-house data science solutions that automate decision-making and provide valuable insights across our business. Working in cross-functional agile squads, you will contribute to the design and development of our data science products. You will deliver high-quality analyses that guide future development work and contribute to the team's continuous learning and upskilling efforts.

Why join us

Wide impact. Deploying models here means improving the experience of millions of customers each day.
Range of projects. Our projects vary from supply chain optimisation for Argos, predicting which substitution products online shoppers prefer, to helping our Sainsburys colleagues keep shelves full.
Focus on data science work. Access to extensive, clean, and well-documented data in our industry-leading platform: spend your time building data science solutions, not cleaning datasets.
Time for growth. 10% of time set aside for learning & personal development
Learning and mentoring. With a team of 50 data scientists, engineers and product managers, there are lots of opportunities to learn from colleagues through knowledge shares, pair programming, and communities of practice.
Flexible working. Our team prioritizes hybrid working, both at home and in our central London Farringdon office .
Save on groceries. 10% discount on products across Sainsburys and Argos (Up to 15% for two days each week!)

Join us and be part of a team that encourages innovation, values your expertise, and prioritises work-life balance while delivering exceptional results.

What you need to excel in this role:

Essential:

Educated to degree level, preferably within a mathematical, statistical or STEM discipline
Proven track record of using Python and SQL to deliver complex ML solutions in a corporate environment or substantial relevant academic experience.
You are familiar with software engineering best practises and can utilise them to produce code that passes an engineering code review.
Strong presentation skills and business acumen: you regularly receive positive feedback about your ability to explain complex topics to non-technical audiences
You feel comfortable working independently to achieve results using your own guidance and initiative.
Strong statistical foundation in concepts such as regression, hypothesis testing and experimental design.
Experience getting the best out of sklearn and tree-based models.
Highly proficient in Git best practices.

Desirable:

A relevant Post-graduate degree (Masters or PhD) within a mathematical, statistical or other STEM discipline.
Experience delivering value on ML projects in retail (in areas such as price elasticity or differential pricing) or supply chain (demand forecasting, optimisation)
Experience using ML with mathematical optimisation.
Experience working with and applying causal inference.
Experience working with and deploying Graphical Neural Networks [GNNs] in industry.
Experience working within in a cross functional team.

Some of the other benefits Sainsburys provide:

25 days holiday per year, with the option to buy up to an additional weeks holiday
Up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave.
Up to 10% bonus based on performance.
Cycle to work scheme.
Heath cash plan
Please see www.sainsburys.jobs for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibility criteria may apply).

We are proud supporters of Women in Data. Connect, engage and belong to the largest free female data community in the UK – visit: www.womenindata.co.uk to join our community.

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About the Company

Women are hugely under-represented in the Data industry – as things stand, male Analysts and Data Scientists outnumber their female colleagues 4 to 1. Addressing this imbalance isn’t just the right thing to do ethically. Data shows that everything from workplace satisfaction, to business profitability significantly improve when an organisation strives for greater diversity and inclusivity. Women in Data® plays a key role in driving for more accurate representation wherever data is being gathered and analysed. We provide t... Know more