Content Scientist (Maths, Statistics and Physics)

Content Scientist (Maths, Statistics and Physics), Devon

Sparx Head Office in Exeter.
Salary: £28-45k dependent on experience (plus generous benefits and relocation package).

Reporting to: Product Director.

About Sparx:

Sparx is developing an extraordinary new technology for the classroom that is redefining the limits of what young people can achieve.
Our platform for Maths uses custom built content and a powerful, data-driven mobile framework to deliver a tailored set of exercises, games and incentives to the student.

We're looking for people with a deep passion for education and a belief in the power of technology to improve it. Things move fast at Sparx so we need people who assume excellence is a given and who are ambitious, creative and effortlessly knowledgeable. People who want a challenge; people who want to make a difference.

Job description:

Our Content Scientists are central to the development of the product. The subject gurus amongst us, they pride themselves on having overall ownership of the learning experience.

You'll use your deep knowledge of mathematics, and insight in to the learning process, to develop engaging and radical new ways to teach topics that unlock a whole new world of understanding for students. In a nut shell, shaping how the next generation learn.

If you've got a strong academic background in mathematics, statistics or physics and are looking for a challenge where you'll break new ground every day, we think you'll fit right in at Sparx.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop content for the Sparx platform, always thinking of new ideas to improve content design and efficiency, lesson flow, rewards and the algorithms that underpin it all.
• Find out what's working (and what's not) through the analysis of data, observation of school lessons and talking to teachers.
• Make sure that the system is performing beautifully (quality assurance) and develop/ specify new tools and procedures to make this job easier in the future.
• Provide in-lesson support and training for teachers within schools using the Sparx system.
• Support the Product Director as required, most likely with project management, taking ownership of a group of tasks and making sure everything comes together in time.
• Work with the wider Sparx team to ensure the product is the best it can be.
• Be a good team player - help out if someone asks.
• Be positive and infectiously enthusiastic about the values and vision of Sparx.

About you:

You're an expert and passionate about your subject, we'd expect nothing less. More than that though, you're insatiably curious, constantly questioning results and challenging how things are done. Numbers, and lots of them, don't bother you so you'll be confident using data to prove and disprove the success of the content and structures you've put together.

At heart, we're all scientists at Sparx, and you know you are too. You'll be able to demonstrate a scientific, evidence-based way of working and your extraordinary attention to detail, ingenuity and pride in what we're creating will ensure you always deliver something outstanding.

Things move quickly at Sparx so you'll be able to work under pressure and be comfortable with a fast-paced technical environment with constantly changing priorities and a fluctuating workload. Multi-tasking and project management are two of your strengths and you can deliver on short-term objectives, without forgetting the bigger, long-term goal.

You'll be able to get going of your own accord and use your initiative to get stuff done. As well as being a great team worker with strong communication skills, you have the ability to focus on what's best for the team and the wider business, above your own objectives.

We like a good list, so here's an overview of some of the specific skills and experience we're looking for:

Essential:

• Minimum 2:1 in a Maths or Physical Science related degree and A at A Level Maths.
• Teaching and/or tutoring experience.
• 2+ years professional experience working in industr

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience in analysing large data sets using VBA, SAS, SPSS, Matlab, R or SQL.
• Ability to use Apple hardware, including Mac laptops and iPads.
• Basic experience with a computer programming language (e.g. C++, Python, Ruby, Java).
• Highly proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Exchange, and web browser).
• Knowledge of education and school system.

Our team:

We work hard, and we play hard. You'll be able to see Dartmoor from your office window, and get to the beach in 20 minutes.

Our generous benefits include substantial holiday leave and the chance to join our share scheme and company pension once you've completed your probationary period. We also have a range of on-site facilities for all employees to use free of charge. There's a netball court and a five-a-side football pitch just outside, an on-site gym with classes throughout the day, a running track and pool table, a 2012 Olympic table tennis table and a cafe serving free, delicious and organic food. On top of this, we're constantly organising events and activities to support our charities, and to socialise.

We trust our team and want them to work in the way that suits them best; whether that's flexible hours, working from home or creating brilliance while wearing flip flops.

To find out more, and to see the other roles we are recruiting for, please visit our website at www.sparx.co.uk.

How to apply:

If you think you've got what it takes then tell us about yourself by applying now. You can apply online by visiting our careers site www.sparx.co.uk/ignite.