KTP Associate – Data Scientist / Senior Data Scientist

Do you have a background in Causal Inference, Advanced Statistics, Machine Learning or Bayesian Graph Models at PhD level? Are you an accomplished candidate with experience in advanced data analytics involving causal analysis? Do you want to work with a ground-breaking new company to develop a smart clinical reasoning tool using causal inference methods and AI? 

We have an opportunity for you to ‘fast track’ your career into industry by leading a strategically important data science project through to a successful proof of principle, ready for implementation. Through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), you will be working in partnership with VET-AI Ltd. and the School of Computing at one of the UK’s leading research intensive universities, with the prospect to lead the successful initiative through implementation within the company following the KTP. This is an excellent opportunity to translate your academic achievements within industry.

VET-AI is a fast-growing, R&D company deploying cutting-edge machine learning and AI approaches to veterinary (vet) care. During 2019, the company won a string of prizes including Tech Nation Rising Stars 2019 and featured in Gizmodo, Daily Mirror, The Times, and many others. VET- AI’s strategic vision is to revolutionise the provision and access of vet services through digitisation, to improve animal health and welfare globally, and to positively impact the lives of vet professionals by enabling remote working. 

The aim of this KTP is to develop and deploy a clinical reasoning tool through a smartphone app that can effectively diagnose skin conditions in cats and dogs. You will be managing the development to establish proof-of-principle of this innovative diagnostic tool, and setting out a roadmap for embedding this tool within the VET-AI app to realise full commercialisation. You will be expected to work with an academic team from the University of Leeds with specialist knowledge in the fields of Causal Inference Statistics, Machine Learning and AI, and VET-AI’s clinical and business experts.

You will be based at the company premises in Nexus, University of Leeds, West Yorkshire and formally employed by the University of Leeds for the duration of the project (fixed period of 28 months). Remote working during the coronavirus pandemic may be necessary.

Vet-AI has a liberal working culture and is focused on long-term goals, not day-to-day management. The company takes its employees’ wellbeing very seriously and even has a Chief Happiness Officer. You will have freedom to work in your own way, and you will only be measured by the project outcomes.

You will have access to a training and development package worth £4,667, to be spent according to your needs and the project’s requirements, enabling you to work effectively on the KTP. Additionally, depending on restrictions related to Covid-19, you will attend two weeks residential KTP training (which may be delivered virtually during the coronavirus pandemic) to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to complete the project, for which time is allocated and funding provided. 

Contingent on successful proof-of-principle within the KTP, full implementation and evaluation of the diagnostic tool will be within the commercial setting of VET-AI through follow-on employment within VET-AI.

Due to the current Government Coronavirus social distancing measures, the interviews for this role are likely to be conducted remotely using Microsoft Teams or Zoom.  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Mark Gilthorpe (University of Leeds)

Tel: 0113 343 1913

Email: m.s.gilthorpe@leeds.ac.uk 

Dr Adele Williams (Vet AI)

Tel: 07795515203

Email: adele.williams@vet-ai.com  

Please note: If you are not a British or Irish citizen, from 1 January 2021 you will require permission to work in the UK. This will normally be in the form of a visa but, if you are an EEA/Swiss citizen and resident in the UK before 31 December 2020, this may be your passport or status under the EU Settlement Scheme.