Data Science Associate – Portfolio Hedging & Optimisation

Join us at Barclays as a Data Science Associate. Your role sits within the Portfolio Hedging & Optimisation (PH&O) Analytics team, supporting portfolio management across credit risk, balance sheet optimisation, capital efficiency, and Significant Risk Transfer (SRT).The team develops analytical capabilities to assess portfolio behaviour, inform risk and capital decisions, and support transaction execution. The role provides exposure to both day‑to‑day portfolio management and transaction-driven activities.

Ideal for analytically curious candidates, the position focuses on building expertise in credit risk, portfolio dynamics, and balance sheet management while contributing to models, tools, and processes used in live decision-making.

Your role involves end-to-end analytical ownership from data analysis and model development to implementation and ongoing enhancement, alongside improving processes and supporting optimisation initiatives. There is also an expectation to contribute to the evolution of the analytics platform, including the practical application of AI and advanced techniques. Over time, you will take on increasing responsibility and ownership across portfolio analytics and optimisation activities. Your responsibilities will ultimately support portfolio management across credit risk, balance sheet optimisation, and capital efficiency by delivering data-driven insights and analytical tools, including for SRT and transaction activity. It involves developing and maintaining models, improving processes, and applying advanced techniques to enhance decision-making and portfolio optimisation. This is a great opportunity for a data focussed, curious and motivated individual to join our team.

To be successful as a Data Science Associate you should have:

• Strong quantitative background (e.g. Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Economics) with exposure to statistical or financial modelling through study or early experience
• Proficiency in Python (e.g. pandas, NumPy) and working knowledge of SQL, with a solid understanding of data structures and data quality considerations
• Basic understanding of credit risk concepts (PD, LGD, EAD, RWA), or the ability to learn them quickly
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to write clear, well-structured code and an interest in developing robust coding practices and production-ready solutions
• Proactive, independent working style with good communication skills, and the ability to clearly explain analytical outputs and collaborate effectively

Additional skills of value include:

• Exposure to portfolio analytics, credit risk, securitisation or balance sheet management concepts
• Experience working with financial datasets or relevant coursework/projects
• Awareness of working in a regulated environment or interest in developing this understanding
• Familiarity with basic machine learning or statistical techniques
• Exposure to, or interest in, AI techniques and their application in financial analytics or workflow optimisation

You may be assessed on the key critical skills relevant for success in role, such as risk and controls, change and transformation, business acumen strategic thinking and digital and technology, as well as job-specific technical skills.

The position is based in our London Office.

Purpose of the role

Portfolio Hedging & Optimization (PH&O) structures and executes risk transfer trades. Primary responsibility of this role is to support with the origination and ongoing management of these structured trades.   

Accountabilities

• Partner with internal Structuring, Treasury and Middle Office to execute new structured transactions, as part of a deal team.   .
• Ongoing management and optimization of the structured transactions, partnering with internal teams and external parties such as law firms/verification agents, rating agencies and agent banks.   .
• Together with relationship/Sales teams, support with investor engagement including queries related to existing and prospective transactions  .
• Support of wider portfolio optimization initiatives as well as analytics, returns and model enhancements.  .

Assistant Vice President Expectations

• To advise and influence decision making, contribute to policy development and take responsibility for operational effectiveness. Collaborate closely with other functions/ business divisions.
• Lead a team performing complex tasks, using well developed professional knowledge and skills to deliver on work that impacts the whole business function. Set objectives and coach employees in pursuit of those objectives, appraisal of performance relative to objectives and determination of reward outcomes
• If the position has leadership responsibilities, People Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others.
• OR for an individual contributor, they will lead collaborative assignments and guide team members through structured assignments, identify the need for the inclusion of other areas of specialisation to complete assignments. They will identify new directions for assignments and/ or projects, identifying a combination of cross functional methodologies or practices to meet required outcomes.
• Consult on complex issues; providing advice to People Leaders to support the resolution of escalated issues.
• Identify ways to mitigate risk and developing new policies/procedures in support of the control and governance agenda.
• Take ownership for managing risk and strengthening controls in relation to the work done.
• Perform work that is closely related to that of other areas, which requires understanding of how areas coordinate and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the organisation sub-function.
• Collaborate with other areas of work, for business aligned support areas to keep up to speed with business activity and the business strategy.
• Engage in complex analysis of data from multiple sources of information, internal and external sources such as procedures and practises (in other areas, teams, companies, etc).to solve problems creatively and effectively.
• Communicate complex information. 'Complex' information could include sensitive information or information that is difficult to communicate because of its content or its audience.
• Influence or convince stakeholders to achieve outcomes.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.