Senior Data Scientist

The Joint Data and Analysis Centre (JDAC), is an analytical function at the heart of government that provides analysis to support decision making by Ministers and senior officials on economic, domestic, national security and global issues. JDAC is dedicated to ensuring that government decisions are informed by the best available data and strategic analysis, drawn from across government, industry, international expertise, academia and open-source intelligence.

The advertised role is part of the Data team, a small multidisciplinary team focused on artificial intelligence, reproducible analytical pipelines, fast paced data modelling and visualisation. We work collaboratively with other departments and with the Office for National Statistics to deliver analytical products and services.

As a senior data scientist in JDAC you will lead data science projects in high profile policy areas. Recent projects have included: modelling public perception of local areas; building AI tools to assist colleagues who work with parliament; development of a web app for advanced geospatial processing; developing a Django-based platform for orchestrating reproducible analytical pipelines.

The role will also involve building data science capability amongst the wider analytical team, and embedding and maintaining good coding practices and quality assurance. This is primarily a technical G7 role with limited line management responsibilities (you may manage one junior member of staff) giving you the opportunity to use and develop your technical skills.

You must be enthusiastic about using code to solve analytical problems and have an ability to learn new tools and techniques.

Experience / ability required in role:

We expect the successful candidate to:

• have experience building data science products using Python
• have a broad knowledge of data science techniques, use cases and potential impact, as well as the tools and technologies
• have experience in designing and developing data science products and services
• work collaboratively with a range of policy and analytical colleagues in support of organisational objectives
• communicate effectively and manage delivery plans and priorities
• appreciate and understand data ethics, data preparation and manipulation
• appreciate and understand delivery methods, and how to deliver supported solutions at scale

Technical skills required are aligned with the principal data scientist role in the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework
(https://ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk/role/data-scientist#principal-data-scientist)

• Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices
• Data engineering
• Data ethics and privacy
• Data science innovation
• Ability to deliver business impact
• Ability to develop data science capability
• Programming and build (in Python)
• Understanding of product delivery

Additional information:

Cabinet Office policy is that a minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. For some roles, due to their nature and the business need, this may be up to 100%. Requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Developing Self and Others

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Programming and build
• Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices
• Data science innovation

Alongside your salary of £57,204, Cabinet Office contributes £16,571 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and employer contributions of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).