SIRIS Academic offers a full-time position for a data scientist in the field of quantitative analysis (natural language processing, machine learning, network analysis), exposed to a very dynamic and international environment, contributing to the development of higher-education, research and innovation analyses and monitoring systems.
If you are passionate about data science and want to make a significant impact supporting better science, innovation and public policy, SIRIS Academic could be perfect for you. Take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career in data and join us in our mission to use data and innovation to shape a better future.
Based in Barcelona, you will work full-time as a data scientist, with a focus in natural language processing techniques applied to scientific and technical documents.
You will support SIRIS’ projects by:
You are expected to start before summer (negotiable based on availability). You live in/around Barcelona and/or are willing to move to Barcelona upon the signing of the contract.
With a background in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or a closely related area based on quantitative and programming skills (or with an equivalent professional experience), you are looking for the opportunity to bring your insights and methods to the world of analytics to support and promote better science, innovation and public policy.
You want to have a strong positive impact on society and you enjoy discussing strategic issues and advising on policy and strategy. You will be part of a multidisciplinary, international team of public policy experts, data scientists and data engineers, and will have access to a world-wide network of international specialists.
From your academic or professional experience, you know the state of the art of research in NLP and text mining (e.g., you are acquainted with classical NLP methods and/or the latest developments in the field based on Transformer models). Skills in advanced quantitative methods/data science/programming (proficiency in Python) will be necessary.
You are proficient in Python and SQL and you have experience working with analytical/ML tools such as Pandas, SciPy, Scikit-learn, Jupyter/iPython notebooks, PyTorch, TensorFlow, HuggingFace, Gensim, Spacy, and/or NLTK. Ideally, you have experience in the area of scientometrics / metascience, and/or research and innovation policy.
Perfect working knowledge of English is required. Working knowledge of other languages, notably Spanish, Catalan, French or Italian, is a plus.
You have good writing and communication skills.
You have strong organisational skills, and ability to work both autonomously and within a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
Specific experience in the field of scientometrics and knowledge of research impact indicators is a plus.
Research experience and a PhD will also be taken into consideration.
While you don't need to be an expert in the skills listed below, it would be an advantage if you have an understanding and fluency in at least some of them:
Send CV and cover letter to jobs@sirisacademic.com. Sending recommendation letters is optional. Please mention “2025 Data Scientist for R&I and public policy analysis” to the subject of the e-mail.
Deadline to send applications is the 2nd of June.
The selection process will unfold in accordance with the following steps and calendar:
We are a consulting firm, fully owned by a not-for-profit Foundation. We work with decision makers in the public or non-profit sector, and provide them with insights, processes and tools, which challenge them to think and enable them to accomplish their mission better.
Our services can take many forms: a strategic or analytical report, a business intelligence tool, a participatory workshop, a coaching session, the moderation of a discussion, a political recommendation, etc.
But if the form varies, the core is always the same: what matters to us is to help leaders make better, more informed and more accountable decisions for the benefit of citizens.
How? We approach problems as researchers: questioning systematically, proposing models, looking for evidence. We never defend a position which we have not tested as deeply as we can. We provide decision-makers with the tools and arguments to make decisions, but we also understand that their job involves political compromises and that the ideal decision is not always either possible or optimal.
Who? Born from research, our team of 50 people is a colourful mix, with specialities ranging from archaeology to physics, and philosophy to biology. Our team is held together by a strong ethical vision, based on the respect of the contribution of everyone, the belief in collective wisdom, and a deep curiosity.
Where? Based in Barcelona, we work with leaders and senior management in over 25 countries, helping analyse potential, build capacity and shape strategy for institutions such as philanthropic foundations, the European Commission, agencies and governments and over 200 Universities and Research Centres across the continent.
With whom? Our clients are leaders and managers in universities, regional governments, ministries, research organisations, not-for-profit foundations, etc.
In which sectors? Currently, most of our activity focuses on the sectors of higher education and research, science & innovation policy.
And… why? Deep down, we want to make the world a better place by improving public policies. We are strong believers in the power of science-based evidence, participative approaches and accountability processes to improve the way public policies are designed and decisions taken, day after day.
Since March 2023, SIRIS Academic has been 100% owned by the SIRIS Foundation, recognized by the Protectorate of Foundations of Catalonia.
The main objectives of the Foundation are:
