Job Introduction

AI and Machine Learning help us select tailored content that is relevant and engaging for our BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds audiences. They also support our editors to create great content and are the power behind the BBC' augmented reality apps, so if you fancy a career at the cutting edge of new technology read on!

The BBC is looking for the next generation of Data Scientists with a passion for maths and coding to help develop the AI and Machine Learning applications of the future and our transition to becoming a more data driven organisation. This fully funded degree apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn on the job and by studying for a BSc (Hons) in Data Science with York St John University.

Based within the Content Publishing or Data Lab teams, you’ll be surrounded by people who live and breathe innovation so if you’re an ideas person with a love of learning, you’ll fit right in!

• Start Date: September 2023
• Duration: 3 year degree programme (+ 6 months EPA)
• Salary: £19,500 plus £4,918 London Weighting for those individuals who have London as their primary work base
• Locations: Salford & London
• Typically leading to:  Permanent role as a Data Scientist

This advert is for Salford and London, we also have this role available in Glasgow. If you are interested in applying for Glasgow, please apply via the advert HERE

Role Responsibility

You’ll be joining a Data Science team, supporting a number of tasks including:

• Data Analysis
• Data Processing
• Data Cleaning
• Machine Learning algorithms (primarily Recommendation Engines) development
• Algorithm evaluation

This is a great opportunity to learn on and off the job as part of an exciting BBC team alongside your degree programme at York St John University covering modules including the following:

• Programming
• Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
• Analysis & Optimisation
• Probability, Statistics & Data Analysis
• Modelling & Numerical Analysis
• Databases
• Graphs, Networks & Systems
• Advanced Data Applications
• Data Visualisation
• Artificial Intelligence

More information about the degree programme can be found HERE

Are you the right candidate?

If you love using mathematics to solve problems and want to feed your enthusiasm for AI and Machine Learning, you may be exactly what we’re looking for! We’re recruiting for people with plenty of ideas and great communication skills to join our team of Data Scientists and Engineers. We’re not expecting you to run before you can walk, that’s why it’s an apprenticeship! But with support from our teams and York St John University, we’ll help you to fulfill your potential so show us you’re good at this lot:

• Collaboration
• Flexibility
• Mathematical Problem Solving
• Awareness & Understanding of Software Programming
• Practical Application
• Resilience
• Time Management
• Communication

Who we're looking for:

•  You'll have Maths & English GCSEs or Scottish Standards at 9-4 or A-C equivalent
• A-levels at AAB-ABB including maths or Scottish Highers at BBBB or above including mathematics and two sciences or equivalent qualifications
• The legal right to work in the UK
• A UK resident for at least 3 years before the apprenticeship starts

Package Description

• Salary: £19,500 plus £4,918 London Weighting for those individuals who have London as their primary work base
• A flexible 35-hour working week, 26 days of annual leave days (with the option to buy an extra 5 days)
• Access to training and development across the BBC supported by a formal degree programme at York St John University
• Academic and developmental support with a dedicated BBC line manager supported by a Scheme Specialist at the BBC Academy
• Qualification: BSc (Hons) in Data Science
• A fun place to work, competitive salary, defined pension scheme and a range of discounts including dental, health care and gym membership.

Application Process

During the application process we want to learn more about your skills and interests. For further information about the application process please click here

Support with your application:

We are proud to be a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and if you require any reasonable adjustments in order to apply or interview for a role with the BBC please visit our Early Careers Recruitment page

About the BBC

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

To find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at the BBC, please click here