Data Scientist
AI Summary
The Data Scientist will design and maintain advanced statistical and machine-learning models to forecast visitor demand, spend, and capacity pressures. They will also develop scenario-planning tools and provide evidence-based insights to support strategic decision-making across the organization.
The role requires expertise in advanced modeling techniques, including econometrics and machine learning, to support quantitative research and policy recommendations. Candidates should be capable of translating complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.
Job Details
Benefits
Key Skills
VisitScotland is Scotland’s National Tourism Organisation, and we’re proud to promote the wealth of incredible features our country has to offer. Our aim is to benefit Scotland by growing its tourism industry and giving it a renowned presence in the global marketplace.
- The Data & Insight team at VisitScotland helps turn data, research, and evidence into insights that support decision-making and deliver value for Scotland’s visitor economy. Bringing together expertise in data platforms, visitor and market research, economic and policy analysis, and insight communication, the team provides trusted evidence to inform strategy, measure impact, and support organisational priorities.
- The team comprises four specialist areas: Data Products & Platforms, Visitor, Market & Experience Insight, Strategic Measurement & Policy Insight, and Insight Activation & Partnerships. Together, they develop and manage data products and platforms, deliver research and analysis on visitors and markets, assess economic impact and policy outcomes, and ensure insights are communicated effectively and adopted across VisitScotland and its partner network.
- Own the design, build, and maintain advanced statistical, econometric, and machine-learning models to forecast demand, dispersal, seasonality, visitor flows, spend, and capacity pressures across the visitor ecosystem.
- Apply AI and modern ML techniques to improve forecasting accuracy, automate modelling processes, and enable new analytical capabilities, ensuring models remain innovative, explainable, and future-ready.
- Develop scenario-planning and optimisation tools that allow users to test interventions under alternative assumptions, evaluate trade-offs, and understand sensitivity and uncertainty.
- Support quantitative research and experimentation, identifying causal drivers of behaviour, designing uplift tests, and integrating insights into product roadmaps and policy recommendations.
- Partner with Strategic Measurement & Policy Insight to integrate the Tourism Economy Model, ROI frameworks ensuring coherence and methodological rigour.
For more information, please see the full job description (LinkedIn users will need to click "apply" to view JD and links below)
Contract Type: Mat Cover (12 months)
Salary Grade: Grade G, (£45,297 - £50,694)
Last Date for Submissions: date
This role can be based out of any VisitScotland office locations across Scotland. VisitScotland operates a hybrid working culture, partially office and partially home based.
With family-friendly and flexible working policies, we offer an impressive range of benefits and professional development. We are an equal opportunities employer, and value diversity in all its forms. You can read more about working for us, our benefits and our culture by clicking here.
Responsibilities
Please see candidate information pack, link above.Qualifications
Please see candidate information pack, link above.
About VisitScotland
As an economic growth agency, we aim to drive the Scottish visitor economy by growing the value of tourism and events. To do this, we focus on three areas: market development, business and experience development and place and destination development. A leader in responsible tourism, our activities are aimed at creating better places for people to live, work and visit. As an employer, we offer an inclusive and progressive culture that prioritises our people, creating a positive working environment that encourages flexible and sustainable work practices for all our employees. We aim to be an employer of choice. For more information visit our corporate website - VisitScotland.org.