Leah Hunter

Bridging psychology and data to help organisations understand and hire people well. As a Talent Scientist at Canonical, I manage a team of 12 hiring leads and apply evidence-based and data-driven methods to how we select our people. From SQL to JavaScript to applying behavioural science, real data backs up my decision making and processes.

My background in Occupational and Organisational Psychology (MSc, University of Surrey) underpins this work, giving me a grounded understanding of what actually drives good hiring decisions. Being a member of MENSA since age 11, I bring strong problem-solving instincts, adaptability, and a genuine curiosity about what makes people and processes work well.

Talent Scientist at Canonical (2025-10 – Present)

• Manage a team of 12 hiring leads, coordinating and overseeing hiring across multiple departments.
• Conduct around 10 interviews per week.
• Apply behavioural interview techniques and psychometric assessment to support evidence-based hiring across a fully distributed, global organisation.
• Use SQL and Python to analyse people data and surface insights that inform hiring strategy and process improvements.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to keep hiring targets on track and design solutions to complex selection challenges.
• Contribute to documentation and process efficiencies supporting Canonical's talent acquisition pipeline.
• Support ticket-based queries across hiring systems, building deep operational knowledge of Canonical's talent platforms.

SEND Tutor at DegreeSix (2022-09 – 2024-01)

• Mentored high-risk and neurodivergent individuals, developing crisis management, proactive decision-making, and adaptability skills.
• Balanced responsibilities with academic commitments through strong organisation and attention to detail.

Research Assistant at Coventry University (2021-09 – 2024-07)

• Invited to assist on a doctoral research project, running high-complexity experiments and coordinating participants.
• Gained advanced data entry experience and strengthened technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

Mathematics Teacher at Brentwood School (2018-01 – 2019-07)

• Assisted with after-school maths tutoring, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Developed communication skills, explaining complex ideas clearly and effectively.

MSc (Hons) in Occupational and Organisational Psychology – University of Surrey (2024-09 – 2025-09)

BSc (Hons) in Forensic Psychology – Coventry University (2021-09 – 2024-07)