Job responsibilities
Data science is a broad and fast-moving field spanning maths, statistics, software engineering and communications. Data scientists will often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, using data and analytics to inform and achieve organisational goals.
In this role, you will:
- be inquisitive
- explore and visualise data
- make recommendations to address complex problems and to inform strategic and operational decision making
- use data ethically and appropriately
- be innovative and adaptable
- explore existing and new data using a range of statistical tools and techniques, such as machine learning and predictive analytics
- find patterns in data and transform them into organisational insight
Essential Criteria
- A first or second-class honours degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills; OR have worked in a statistical/data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics/data science at the same level as a foundation degree/HND (Level 5)
- Ability to apply advanced analytical and statistical techniques using a variety of software/codebases including practitioner level knowledge of coding including version control, SQL, R and/or Python or other programming languages relevant to data science; whilst supporting development of coding capability across the team.
- Expertise in wrangling, cleaning and preprocessing data for readiness for analysis and guiding best practice across the team.
- Ability to apply machine learning techniques, critically assessing model performance, limitations and ethical considerations whilst supporting the development of best practice across the team.
- Previous experience of leading a team of data scientists, ensuring high technical standards and professional development. Ensure effective delivery of programmes of work and manage competing demands under pressure.
- Ability to construct and deliver compelling data stories using advanced data visualisation techniques, confidently presenting findings to business owners, senior leadership, and forums such as conferences.
- Previous experience of mentoring data scientists in best practice including software best practice; writing functions, modular code, use of git-based version control systems and embedding peer review.
- Ability to ensure confidentiality issues and statutory information governance requirements are followed robustly
- Well-developed problem-solving skills and user centred approach to developing solutions and ensure evolving user requirements are translated into clear deliverable project outcomes.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, communicate, present and capture requirements from technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to negotiate confidently and advocate for the value of data science within wider organisational priorities.
- Exercise independent judgement setting direction where appropriate, proactively escalating critical decisions with well-formed recommendations, considering organisational priorities and risks.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Ensure the promotion of good working relationships and inclusive team culture.
Selection Process Details:
This vacancy is using SuccessProfiles and will assess your behaviours, ability and technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 750 word Statement of Suitability linked to the essential criteria
- Behaviour statements linked to each behaviour below (please write a maximum of 250 words linked to each behaviour)
Behaviours:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Developing Self and Others
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
Please note you will not be able to upload yourCV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible.Please do not email us your CV.
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
Please note, only those applications meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
- Ability to apply advanced analytical and statistical techniques using a variety of software/codebases including practitioner level knowledge of coding including version control, SQL, R and/or Python or other programming languages relevant to data science; whilst supporting development of coding capability across the team.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.
Please do not exceed a total of 1500 words (750 words for Statement of Suitability and 250 words per behaviour). We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Technical Assessment
You will be provided with a representative data science task and data set and have 90 minutes to construct a code-based solution. You will then have an interactive remote discussion with a panel. Here you will present your outputs and respond to questions interactively. This session is expected to last around 25 minutes.
Technical Assessment will be held week commencing 21st July 2025, please note these dates are subject to change.
If you pass this stage, you will proceed to the final interview stage.
Feedback will be provided at this stage.
Stage 3: Interview
You will be invited to a remote interview.
Behaviours, ability, and technical skills will be tested at interview.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Developing Self and Others
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This role is being offered as either homeworking or hybrid working based at any of our Core HQs. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) or at one of our scientific campus sites (Colindale, Porton and Chilton).
Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as theDepartment for Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
