Job summary
Are you a highly motivated individual seeking to make a difference in the public health sector? Are you a Statistician, Data Scientist or similar with a passion for the NHS? If so, then this role may be the one for you.
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) creates a wealth of valuable data from the £43 billion of NHS activity that it administers.
As a Data Scientist you will work at the heart of the NHSBSA, playing an integral role in delivering new insight from data through innovation, experimentation, and collaboration. You will use statistical and data science techniques and software such as R, SQL and Python to deliver innovative data products and services and tell compelling stories with data. Working as part of a highly motivated and committed Data Science team. You can check out some of our projects (https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/data-science-projects) and existing open-source code on our public facing GitHub (https://github.com/nhsbsa-data-analytics/) to get a taste of what we do.
What do we offer?
- 27 days leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 bank holidays
- Flexible working (we are happy to discuss options such as compressed hours)
- Flexi time
- Hybrid working model (we are currently working largely remotely)
- Career development
- Active wellbeing and inclusion networks
- Excellent pension
- NHS Car lease scheme
- Access to a wide range of benefits and high street discounts!
Main duties of the job
You'll have a strong understanding and practical experience of:o Applying data science and advanced analytics techniques to answer business questionso Using statistical programming and data visualisation softwareo Using version control such as GitHub or GitLabo Storytelling and explaining complex and contentious subject matter.o Sharing and promoting best practice and providing data science and analytical expertise across the business
About us
Here at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), what we do matters.We manage the NHS Pension scheme, process prescription payments and much more. Our services are used by NHS organisations, contractors and the public: we take pride in being part of something so meaningful, that touches millions of lives. Just as we design our services around the needs of our customers, we place our people at the heart of our organisation. That's why when you join us, you'll be empowered and given the right support to help your career grow. As one of the UK's Best Big Companies to work for, we're all connected to our values: Collaborative, Adventurous, Reliable and Energetic. We care about our people, our purpose, and your progress.We strive to offer a fantastic colleague experience, where every voice is heard, and every colleague is supported and respected. Wellbeing, diversity and inclusion is at the centre of this, so when you join us, you can connect with our Lived Experience Networks who help us to bring our authentic selves to work.We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and circumstances. We are committed and proud to be a flexible employer and will endeavour to offer a working pattern that suits you wherever possible, whether that be hybrid working, flexible hours, job sharing and more. Ready to join us on our journey to be a catalyst for better health? Apply today and see where the NHSBSA can take you.We are people connected to care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
In this role, you are accountable for:
- Contribute to the development of statistical, mathematical and predictive modelling to build the algorithms necessary to ask the right questions and find the right answers. Inquisitively explores data looking from many angles to determine what the data means and recommend ways to apply to data to resolve pressing business and financial problems. Working in collaboration with subject matter experts, statisticians, User Researchers, developers and other staff.
- Undertakes exploratory data analysis to inform the selection of appropriate machine learning algorithms for given problems. Contributes towards identifying and applying the appropriate data mining, data manipulation and data processing techniques, in order to prepare data and generate features to be utilized by machine learning algorithms. Contributes towards tuning and iterating a model to improve performance and explain the results and impact of a model to both technical and non-technical audiences across NHSBSA services and the wider NHS.
- Liaise with internal and external customers/clients on requirements, working in an interactive fashion. Contribute to the development of data products in accordance with these requirements. Work with internal and external NHS stakeholders to develop new metrics and reports to assist with measuring performance, quality, monitoring financial and access issues.
- Produce and present reports (that may be highly complex and/or contentious) and undertake relevant correspondence both within the organisation and to external customers/clients. This will include providing written advice and supporting information to effectively inform NHSBSA Leaders and wider NHS organisations decision making.
- Communicate highly complex findings effectively both orally and visually to drive the right actions and outcomes from the analytics insight. Tell compelling, clear and actionable stories relevant for business goals using the most appropriate medium to visualise data.
- Analyse, interpret and resolve highly complex statistical or information problems where there is no precedent and where other leading opinions may conflict.
- Actively participates in projects to deliver development of new/revised products and processes, enabling organisational improvements and associated efficiencies. This includes ensuring data is used appropriately to inform effective decision making and robust and reliable outcomes will be delivered.
- Contribute to implementing frameworks and techniques for the delivery of risk management information to NHS organisations, taking into account the NHS environment, to develop appropriate statistical indicators for a risk-based assessment to be undertaken.
- Provide professional specialist advice, guidance, training and use of best practice.
- Be aware of, and respond to, developments affecting the NHS; especially those that influence information and risk management services. Build Data Science networks and develop specialist knowledge relating to the availability and use of information throughout the NHS and wider Data Science community.
- Plan, schedule, coordinate and monitor work activities and priorities to meet agreed objectives and deadlines.
- Ensure that the data products meet quality standards; and recognises the importance of high-quality data and information to drive decision making in the NHS.
- Represent the NHSBSA at external meetings as necessary, within area(s) of responsibility.
- Take responsibility for own professional development and engage in the organisation appraisal system positively to identify personal training and development opportunities.
- Ensure the safe, appropriate and ethical use of data and adhere to Caldicott principles.
In addition to the above accountabilities, as post holder you are expected to:
Undertake additional duties and responsibilities in line with the overall purpose of your role and as agreed by your line manager.
Demonstrate NHSBSA values and core capabilities in all aspects of your work.
Foster an environment where your own and colleagues safety and well-being is promoted.Contribute to a culture which values diversity and inclusion.
Comply with NHSBSA policies, procedures and protocols as they apply to your role.
Working relationships
Responsible to: Head of Data Science and Advanced Analytics
Key relationships and connections: NHSBSA colleagues, primary care organisations, national bodies, Department of Health and Social Care, NHSE/I and researchers.
Job description
Job responsibilities
In this role, you are accountable for:
- Contribute to the development of statistical, mathematical and predictive modelling to build the algorithms necessary to ask the right questions and find the right answers. Inquisitively explores data looking from many angles to determine what the data means and recommend ways to apply to data to resolve pressing business and financial problems. Working in collaboration with subject matter experts, statisticians, User Researchers, developers and other staff.
- Undertakes exploratory data analysis to inform the selection of appropriate machine learning algorithms for given problems. Contributes towards identifying and applying the appropriate data mining, data manipulation and data processing techniques, in order to prepare data and generate features to be utilized by machine learning algorithms. Contributes towards tuning and iterating a model to improve performance and explain the results and impact of a model to both technical and non-technical audiences across NHSBSA services and the wider NHS.
- Liaise with internal and external customers/clients on requirements, working in an interactive fashion. Contribute to the development of data products in accordance with these requirements. Work with internal and external NHS stakeholders to develop new metrics and reports to assist with measuring performance, quality, monitoring financial and access issues.
- Produce and present reports (that may be highly complex and/or contentious) and undertake relevant correspondence both within the organisation and to external customers/clients. This will include providing written advice and supporting information to effectively inform NHSBSA Leaders and wider NHS organisations decision making.
- Communicate highly complex findings effectively both orally and visually to drive the right actions and outcomes from the analytics insight. Tell compelling, clear and actionable stories relevant for business goals using the most appropriate medium to visualise data.
- Analyse, interpret and resolve highly complex statistical or information problems where there is no precedent and where other leading opinions may conflict.
- Actively participates in projects to deliver development of new/revised products and processes, enabling organisational improvements and associated efficiencies. This includes ensuring data is used appropriately to inform effective decision making and robust and reliable outcomes will be delivered.
- Contribute to implementing frameworks and techniques for the delivery of risk management information to NHS organisations, taking into account the NHS environment, to develop appropriate statistical indicators for a risk-based assessment to be undertaken.
- Provide professional specialist advice, guidance, training and use of best practice.
- Be aware of, and respond to, developments affecting the NHS; especially those that influence information and risk management services. Build Data Science networks and develop specialist knowledge relating to the availability and use of information throughout the NHS and wider Data Science community.
- Plan, schedule, coordinate and monitor work activities and priorities to meet agreed objectives and deadlines.
- Ensure that the data products meet quality standards; and recognises the importance of high-quality data and information to drive decision making in the NHS.
- Represent the NHSBSA at external meetings as necessary, within area(s) of responsibility.
- Take responsibility for own professional development and engage in the organisation appraisal system positively to identify personal training and development opportunities.
- Ensure the safe, appropriate and ethical use of data and adhere to Caldicott principles.
In addition to the above accountabilities, as post holder you are expected to:
Undertake additional duties and responsibilities in line with the overall purpose of your role and as agreed by your line manager.
Demonstrate NHSBSA values and core capabilities in all aspects of your work.
Foster an environment where your own and colleagues safety and well-being is promoted.Contribute to a culture which values diversity and inclusion.
Comply with NHSBSA policies, procedures and protocols as they apply to your role.
Working relationships
Responsible to: Head of Data Science and Advanced Analytics
Key relationships and connections: NHSBSA colleagues, primary care organisations, national bodies, Department of Health and Social Care, NHSE/I and researchers.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- oKnowledge of data science and advanced analytics techniques, being able to critically appraise and interpret highly complex data.
- oAbility to quickly research and learn new programming tools and techniques.
- oBasic skills of extracting and manipulating data from SQL databases
- oAble to use database, statistical, word processing, spread sheet and presentational software packages to produce highly complex and, at times, highly sensitive reports.
- oAble to direct activity to drive the best outcomes for the business with the resources available.
- oExcellent storytelling, communication and presentation skills. With the ability to explain fundamental concepts including areas with highly complex and contentious subject matter, at all levels of the organisation with varying levels of understanding.
- oExcellent problem solving skills
- oAble to concentrate intensively, using significant discretion in decision making activities.
- oCommitment to continuing professional development and keeping up to date with emerging techniques and technologies
- oProactive and personally motivated.
- oSelf-aware, flexible and adaptable.
- oAccurate with attention to detail.
- oWorks effectively within a team environment
- oCurious nature and effectively dives deep into material.
- oFocused on delivery.
Desirable
- oA good knowledge of freedom of information and data protection legislation
- oAbility to develop appropriate algorithms and rules using machine learning, statistical and analytical techniques for varying purposes across the business
- oAbility to manipulate and analyse complex, high volume, high dimensionality data from varying sources.
- oGood at understanding requirements and checking back with sponsors that progress is on the right track.
Experience
Essential
- oExperience in the practical use of data science and analytical skills and techniques including statistics and data mining, programming and machine learning to a range of data types.
- oExperience of working with large and highly complex datasets.
- oExperienced in the use of statistical, programming and data visualisation software (e.g. R, Python, OBIEE)
- oExperience of using version control platforms such as Github to collaborate and maintain a single codebase within a team.
- oExperience cleaning and validating data for machine learning projects.
Desirable
- oExperienced in the analysis and interpretation of health or NHS related statistics.
- oExperience within a Big Data environment.
- oExperience of working with transaction data.
- oExperience of working with unstructured data.
- oExperience of using Oracle analytics tools.
- oAble to learn new technologies
- oAble to understand business processes in the context of using data from business systems
Qualifications
Essential
- oDegree level qualification in a numerate discipline, computer science or an equivalent subject requiring high levels of statistical analysis OR
- oSignificant experience working in an analytical/ statistical role
Desirable
- oDegree level computing qualification or equivalent
- oPost graduate level or equivalent in relevant discipline
Person Specification
Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- oKnowledge of data science and advanced analytics techniques, being able to critically appraise and interpret highly complex data.
- oAbility to quickly research and learn new programming tools and techniques.
- oBasic skills of extracting and manipulating data from SQL databases
- oAble to use database, statistical, word processing, spread sheet and presentational software packages to produce highly complex and, at times, highly sensitive reports.
- oAble to direct activity to drive the best outcomes for the business with the resources available.
- oExcellent storytelling, communication and presentation skills. With the ability to explain fundamental concepts including areas with highly complex and contentious subject matter, at all levels of the organisation with varying levels of understanding.
- oExcellent problem solving skills
- oAble to concentrate intensively, using significant discretion in decision making activities.
- oCommitment to continuing professional development and keeping up to date with emerging techniques and technologies
- oProactive and personally motivated.
- oSelf-aware, flexible and adaptable.
- oAccurate with attention to detail.
- oWorks effectively within a team environment
- oCurious nature and effectively dives deep into material.
- oFocused on delivery.
Desirable
- oA good knowledge of freedom of information and data protection legislation
- oAbility to develop appropriate algorithms and rules using machine learning, statistical and analytical techniques for varying purposes across the business
- oAbility to manipulate and analyse complex, high volume, high dimensionality data from varying sources.
- oGood at understanding requirements and checking back with sponsors that progress is on the right track.
Experience
Essential
- oExperience in the practical use of data science and analytical skills and techniques including statistics and data mining, programming and machine learning to a range of data types.
- oExperience of working with large and highly complex datasets.
- oExperienced in the use of statistical, programming and data visualisation software (e.g. R, Python, OBIEE)
- oExperience of using version control platforms such as Github to collaborate and maintain a single codebase within a team.
- oExperience cleaning and validating data for machine learning projects.
Desirable
- oExperienced in the analysis and interpretation of health or NHS related statistics.
- oExperience within a Big Data environment.
- oExperience of working with transaction data.
- oExperience of working with unstructured data.
- oExperience of using Oracle analytics tools.
- oAble to learn new technologies
- oAble to understand business processes in the context of using data from business systems
Qualifications
Essential
- oDegree level qualification in a numerate discipline, computer science or an equivalent subject requiring high levels of statistical analysis OR
- oSignificant experience working in an analytical/ statistical role
Desirable
- oDegree level computing qualification or equivalent
- oPost graduate level or equivalent in relevant discipline
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
