Data Science Technician

Location: Southampton (5 days per week on-site) Contract: Temporary, minimum 6-month contract with potential for extension Hours: 35 hours per week Pay Rate: £18.51 per hour (PAYE)

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated Data Science Technician to join our Applied Chemometrics Centre of Excellence Laboratory. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional to gain hands-on experience working with scientific data, analytical techniques, and advanced data analysis methods within a collaborative laboratory environment.

The successful candidate will support the processing, cleaning, exploration, and analysis of scientific data generated primarily from Liquid Chromatography (LC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) techniques. Using tools such as Python and Excel, you will help develop efficient workflows, perform data analysis, and contribute to solving complex data challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Process, clean, validate, and quality-check scientific datasets to ensure reliable analysis. Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify trends, patterns, anomalies, and data quality issues. Apply and interpret multivariate analysis techniques, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Work with analytical datasets generated from LC and GC instrumentation. Develop and maintain Python and Excel-based tools for data processing, reporting, automation, and visualisation. Create clear and informative visualisations and reports to communicate findings effectively. Support chemometrics and data science projects, including statistical analysis and supervised modelling where appropriate. Investigate data-related challenges and recommend practical solutions. Collaborate closely with laboratory and technical teams to support business objectives.

About You

You will be naturally curious, analytical, and enthusiastic about working with data. You should be comfortable handling large and complex datasets, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for problem-solving.

Essential Skills & Experience

Good practical knowledge of Python for data analysis, data cleaning, manipulation, and visualisation. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Understanding of exploratory data analysis and basic statistical methods. Familiarity with PCA, HCA, and interpretation of multivariate data. Ability to organise, analyse, and interpret complex datasets. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy. Effective communication skills with the ability to present findings clearly. Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team. Eagerness to learn and develop within data science, chemometrics, and analytical science.

Desirable Skills

Knowledge or experience of analytical science data, particularly LC and/or GC techniques. Exposure to chemometrics, machine learning, or supervised modelling approaches. Experience developing automated data workflows or reporting tools.

Qualifications

Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific or quantitative discipline. MSc or PhD qualifications are advantageous but not required. Suitable for recent graduates and early-career professionals. Candidates should be able to demonstrate practical experience using Python for data analysis through academic projects, placements, internships, research work, or personal projects.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of analytical science and data science, gaining valuable industry experience with advanced laboratory datasets while developing skills in chemometrics, statistical analysis, and scientific data processing. It is an ideal position for someone looking to build a career in data science within a scientific or research-focused environment