Data Scientist, Abrdn

Salary not provided

Python

Azure

Mid and Senior level

Edinburgh

Savings & investment company

Posted today

Savings & investment company

501-1000 employees

B2BInvestingFinancial Services

Posted today

Salary not provided

Python

Azure

Mid and Senior level

Edinburgh

501-1000 employees

B2BInvestingFinancial Services

Company mission

Helping clients to prepare for the future

Job

Company

Role

Who you are

Proficient in Python and/or R with strong engineering discipline and experience applying machine learning techniques including classical ML, NLP, and large language models (LLMs)
Solid grounding in statistics, causal inference, and advanced AI methods such as reinforcement learning and agentic systems, with a proven track record in model validation, monitoring, and governance
Skilled in designing and running experiments including A/B testing, quasi-experiments, and causal inference for measuring impact and guiding data-driven decisions
Familiarity with Azure ML, Fabric, medallion architecture, and MLOps best practices for model deployment, scaling, monitoring, and retraining
Excellent communication skills capable of bridging technical and business teams, explaining complex data science outputs to diverse stakeholders
Curious, open-minded, and engaged with emerging trends in data science and AI; able to mentor colleagues and influence senior stakeholders on data strategy and governance

What the job involves

At Aberdeen Adviser, the Product Insights team helps the business understand how products perform, what customers experience, and where new opportunities lie. We bring together data engineering, analytics, and data science to produce insights that drive real decisions
Most data science roles focus on building models. In Product Insights, we go further — helping shape the platform itself. That means equipping colleagues with the tools to do their best work and helping customers get more value from every interaction
As a Data Scientist you’ll lead how we design, test, monitor, and govern models — from classical machine learning to agentic systems powered by large language models
You’ll report to the Head of Product Insights, with a broad remit to set direction and influence outcomes
Leading the design, development, validation, and governance of machine learning and agent-based models, including large language models and AI agents, ensuring safety, explainability, and alignment with business goals
Developing and implementing inventive validation approaches and robust monitoring processes for models and agentic systems, including tracking behavior post-deployment for drift, bias, and fairness issues
Designing and running experiments such as A/B tests, quasi-experiments, and causal inference studies to test hypotheses, measure business impact, and optimise decision-making
Building scalable, reusable data pipelines for feature engineering and insight generation, automating workflows using Azure ML and Fabric, and applying best practices in MLOps for deployment and retraining
Collaborating cross-functionally with product, engineering, and business teams to translate complex data science outputs into actionable insights understandable to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Mentoring junior colleagues and engaging senior leaders to shape data science strategy, promote a strong testing culture, support data governance, and drive the responsible adoption of emerging AI technologies in financial services

Our take

Abrdn, formerly known as Standard Life Aberdeen, is a global investment company helping its clients to save and invest for their futures. It operates three businesses - Investments, Adviser and Personal - and has been operating since way back in 1825.

Nowadays, atop its investment and advice services, the company delivers two platforms for financial advisers. The first, Wrap, enables users to build and manage portfolios for each client. It also includes SIPP drawdown capabilities - which means advisers can choose the best platform charges when client assets are at their highest. The second, Elevate, encompasses a suite of tools for advisers to save time and make sure their clients are informed.

In 2023, Abrdn announced "adviserOS", which represents an upgrade to their platform offerings. There is limited information to go on, but the company claims this new venture will be simpler and data-led, as well as require less admin. It will be interesting to see if this new release keeps pace with tech developments across the investment space and allows abrdn to continue as an innovator.