Data & Analytics Retail Solutions Research Fellow

Company:

Oliver Wyman

Description:

Who We Are 

Oliver Wyman is a global management consultancy working across all areas of industry, financial services, government, and non-profit organizations. Clients approach us with their most significant challenges, and we assemble teams of experts to address each facet of these complex issues. Together, we create breakthroughs that lead to remarkable impact. 

The Oliver Wyman Data and Analytics (DNA) team is a dynamic and rapidly growing group of quantitative analytics specialists, collaborating closely with colleagues across the firm to cover a global footprint, working across multiple industries including, but not limited to, Financial Services, Climate & Sustainability, Energy, Retail, and Transportation. 

In addition to high-impact analytics projects, the DNA team has a dedicated R&D function made up of Research Fellows and DNA colleagues.  The R&D team explores how new tools and ideas across data science, analytics and AI can be applied in industry.  

We’re offering a 3-6 month placement opportunity within our Retail Solutions team as part of your PhD studies.

Retail Solutions is a strategic business unit within Oliver Wyman, combining the agility of a tech startup with deep technical expertise. We tackle intellectually demanding challenges in mathematical optimisation, advanced analytics, and software engineering, translating cutting-edge algorithms into scalable products that help leading retailers answer their most complex commercial questions.

Our Values 

We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and collaborative teams to drive innovation. Our team comes from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and we embrace the unique skills and insights they bring to our work. 

At Oliver Wyman and within DNA, we are proud of the values we uphold that guide us every day in how we work and collaborate. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.  

What You Will Do 

As a DNA Research Fellow, you will work with colleagues at all levels from your first day solving some of the world’s biggest challenges. This will include:  

• Designing solutions for complex problems using the latest research in data science, advanced analytics and AI 
• Implementing prototypes and measuring their effectiveness 
• Engaging in discussions with colleagues to share ideas and show results 

Your contributions will be crucial for creating cutting-edge products and carrying out advanced research and development within Oliver Wyman.  

Notable DNA projects include: 

• Developing an NLP-based machine learning toolkit to predict credit rating downgrades using news articles – click here for more information 

• Exploring novel GenAI architectures and validation methods for customer-facing tools in the financial sector 

• Modelling portfolio decarbonization strategies leveraging advanced analytics techniques for large European banks 

• Identifying supply chain risks by combining multiple live data feeds, and developing and applying a bespoke AI based risk methodology – click here for more information  

Why Join us? ​ 

Expect a steep learning curve, as no two weeks are ever the same: 

• You’ll have access to the latest technologies and constantly expand your toolkit with each new endeavour 
• You’ll be working on cutting-edge research applying the latest ideas in AI, data and analytics to real-world problems 
• You’ll be part of a collaborative team, supported by experienced mentors and colleagues throughout your fellowship 
• You’ll have a dedicated buddy and a talent manager to help you navigate your professional path during your placement 
• We care deeply about sustainable work-life quality, providing you with the flexibility to balance your work with your personal life. 

If you’re excited by challenges and eager to make a meaningful impact, we look forward to welcoming you aboard!  

Who Can Apply? 

• Current and Post PhD Graduates who are studying in a quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science or, Engineering with capacity for at least a three-month fellowship. 
• Data-driven mindset and the ability to clearly explain complex ideas to colleagues 
• Familiarity with analytical methods in Python, R, or equivalent tools 
• Strong commitment to teamwork and resilience in a creative and constantly changing environment 
• Excellent command of the English language (verbal and written) 
• You are aged 18 or over at the start of the placement 
• You have the right to work in the UK 
• Interest or experience in financial services and risk management is a plus 
• Applicants with access to funding to support the fellowship will be preferred ​

How to Apply?  

Please submit your CV, cover letter and transcripts. As part of your cover letter, could you please indicate if you have funding available to support this PhD placement? If so, kindly specify the amount of funding you can provide and the source(s) of this funding  

Applicants seeking to strengthen their fellowship applications are encouraged to explore funding opportunities such as the Royal Society’s Industry Fellowships and Short Industry Fellowships, along with a wide range of funding programs offered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). 

The Royal Society programs provide targeted funding for long-term research secondments or short-term placements and support industrial research. Meanwhile, UKRI offers fellowships for academics in industry, including programs designed to support researchers' career development and leadership skills.

By leveraging these fellowships and grants, applicants can significantly enhance the quality of their application.

For more information, please visit the Royal Society webpage, Grants at the Royal Society, and explore UKRI funding opportunities. 

If you would like to find out more information about Oliver Wyman, please visit our website or alternatively, apply to attend one of our events, details of which can be found here.   

Applications are reviewed individually and aligned to university intake cycles.  

Oliver Wyman is a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH), a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $24 billion and more than 90,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. To learn more, please follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or X. 

Oliver Wyman is a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH), a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit oliverwyman.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X. Marsh is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best, most qualified people and value colleagues of all backgrounds, without regard to age background, civil partnership status, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments in accordance with applicable law to any candidate with a disability to allow them to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you have a disability that may require reasonable adjustments, please contact us at [email protected] is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one “anchor day” per week on which their full team will be together in person.