Applied Ontologist / Knowledge Engineer in the Workforce domain

The Team:

The Workforce Solutions data science team spearheads the creation of innovative products by developing core intellectual property through a scientific, research-driven approach. We seek talented individuals eager to enhance our capabilities and drive significant customer value through the expansion of our data science IP.

The role sits within a cross-functional squad including Data Scientists, AI Engineers and Research Analysts. This squad is responsible for building and maintaining models related to Pearson’s Workforce Ontology (occupations, skills, tasks and technologies). 

The Role: 

Reporting to Pearson’s Lead Data Scientist, Applied Ontologist / Knowledge Engineer is responsible for the research, development and continuous improvement of Pearson’s jobs and skills ontology and associated models using cutting-edge generative AI and semantic technologies.  The increasing reliance on advanced AI models like LLMs necessitates robust quality assurance practices to uphold the reliability and integrity data outputs. This role is embedded within a Data Science squad to directly contribute to the ongoing accuracy of the modelling, acting as an important ‘human-in-the-loop’ to assist with the mapping data and the creation of core Pearson Ontologies. The role will require close collaboration with the Data Science, AI Engineering and Customer teams.   

• Ontology Enhancement and Maintenance: Continuously refine and enhance the integrity of Pearson's workforce ontology by leveraging the capabilities of Language Model Models (LLMs) and generative AI. This includes identifying new entities, defining relationships between entities and curating descriptions.  
• Data Mapping and Quality Assurance: Review model outputs to ensure timely and accurate mapping of client workforce data to the Pearson Ontology. Additionally, assist in resolving client workforce data quality issues by working directly with client/customer teams. 
• Research and Development: Lead research and development efforts to ensure the ontology remains adaptive and responsive to the evolving needs of our diverse client base.  
• New Jobs: Oversee the expansion of new jobs and specialisations into the Pearson ontology, leveraging LLMs for efficient data discovery and validation, ensuring that attributes, tasks, and skills accurately reflect the real-world activities of professionals. 
• Ontology Standardisation: Manage regular updates of the Pearson ontology in alignment with international standards such as O*Net and ESCO. Maintain crosswalks between the Pearson ontology, industry standards bodies, and proprietary ontologies, streamlining data interoperability and consistency. 
• Workflow Optimisation: Implement process improvements that optimise workflow efficiency between cross-functional teams. 
• Training Data Production: Collaborate with Data Science teams to produce labelled training data, ensuring that Pearson's Data Science models generate high-quality predictions and insights. 

By combining your knowledge of ontology management and generative AI, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Pearson's ontology management, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness in supporting our workforce data needs. 

Experience overview:   

• 2+ years working with ontologies and taxonomies, with a deep understanding of knowledge representation and organization.  
• 1+ years applying generative AI techniques and use of Language Model Models (LLMs) to enhance ontology development. 
• Professional fluency of English is essential. 
• Proficiency in working with data using tools like Microsoft Excel and database systems, including experience with SQL queries for data extraction and manipulation. 
• Experience in python or another programming language is an advantage. 
• Knowledge of common workforce datasets, their structures and attributes. 
• A genuine interest in the future of work and emerging technologies, especially in the context of generative AI.  

 At Pearson we ‘add life to a lifetime of learning’ so everyone can realise the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact.  

Pearson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.