Senior Data Scientist (FTC)

Details ----------- Reference number 477850 Salary £46,310 - £52,113 Per annum, Pro rata A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP Job grade Senior Executive Officer### Contract type Fixed term### Length of employment FTC till the 31/3/2028### Type of role Analytical### Working pattern Flexible working, Full-time, Homeworking, Part-time### Number of jobs available 1 Contents ------------ * Location * About the job * Benefits * Things you need to know * Apply and further information Location ------------ This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. Based at our scientific campus, you will be required to have 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.About the job ----------------- Job summary 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 At UKHSA we recruit to a standardised job descriptions for data scientists. We are currently hiring to the following role: In the Emerging Infection and Zoonoses team which is within the Travel, acute respiratory, zoonoses and emerging infections and Tuberculosis (TARZET) Division of the UKHSA Clinical and Public Health Group. Working for your organisation We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Job description A senior data scientist will work independently and have a good understanding of a range of topics, including data science techniques, delivery methods and stages (such as minimal viable products), tools and technologies. At this role level, you will: * develop complex solutions using a range of data science techniques, whilst understanding any ethical considerations * understand the role and benefits of data science within the organisation * support capability building within the organisation * collaborate with others to develop data science solutions and outputs supporting the organisation * prepare and manipulate data, and perform complex analytics * present and communicate effectively In this team, you will: Emerging Infection and Zoonoses team - FTA * Identify and scope technical solutions for divisional surveillance and reporting activities. * Work with scientific, clinical and analytical teams to deliver secure, scalable products. Person specification Essential criteria * Strong proficiency applying analytical and statistical techniques across real-world codebases; practitioner level in SQL and in Python and/or R with fluency in Git-based workflows (branching, code review) testing and reproducible environments. * Experience in wrangling, cleaning and preprocessing data in readiness for analysis, including working efficiently with large/complex datasets. * Applied understanding of machine learning approaches (regression, classification, clustering), selecting suitable validation strategies (train/validation/test, cross-validation) and evaluating performance using appropriate metrics (e.g. precision, recall, F1, ROC-AUC) while addressing issues such as imbalance and leakage. * Working independently and in collaboration with others to deliver multiple concurrent projects, managing scope, risks and dependencies and contributing to team practices (e.g. agile, code reviews, documentation). * Highly proficient organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, schedule and re-plan to meet tight deadlines. Produces clear technical and non-technical documentation and keep accurate project records. * Ability to construct and effectively communicate persuasive data stories using fit-for-purpose visualisation with clear narrative, communicating uncertainty, assumptions, caveats and limitations of the data. * Solid understanding of quality assurance, data validity, reliability and confidentiality issues and statutory information governance requirements. * Well-developed problem-solving skills and a flexible approach to developing solutions including stages between user requirements to product delivery. * Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, communicate, present and capture requirements from technical and non-technical stakeholders. * Make sound, evidence-based decisions within remit; escalates appropriately with well-reasoned options and recommendations. * 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) Desirable criteria: * Understanding of public health and healthcare intelligence, including surveillance, needs assessment, audit, and commissioning support. * Experience using clinical, epidemiological, environmental, and socio-economic data for public health incident response and research, including data acquisition, linkage, querying, and automated pipelines. * Strong understanding of epidemiology, including transmission dynamics, surveillance methods, sampling design, bias, and confounding. * Experience or interest in bioinformatics, pathogen genomics, and molecular epidemiology. * Experience producing analytical products such as software tools, automated reports, dashboards, and visualisations to support decision-making. * Experience applying generative AI techniques, including LLMs and RAG. Benefits ------------ Alongside your salary of £46,310, UK Health Security Agency contributes £13,416 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 with an employer contribution of 28.97% Things you need to know --------------------------- Artificial intelligence 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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.### Selection process details This vacancy is using Civil Service behaviours (part of Success Profiles) and the Government Digital and Data Profession Framework for Data Science Stage 1: Application \& Sift Success profiles Success Profiles - GOV.UK You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (12) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: * Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) * 1250 word supporting statement This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV. Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. We will not consider any words over 1250 words. 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 If used, the following will proceed to shortlisting: * Meets all essential criteria * Meets some essential criteria Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of * Strong proficiency applying analytical and statistical techniques across real-world codebases; practitioner level in SQL and in Python and/or R with fluency in Git-based workflows (branching, code review) testing and reproducible environment will be conducted. Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview \& assessment. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Technical Assessment You will be invited to remote Technical Test. Technical Tests will be held week commencing 28th September 2026, please note these dates are subject to change. 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 20 minutes. The assessment is predominately designed to test your coding and mathematical skills, and the marking will align to the GDD data science framework. Candidates who are successful at this stage will be invited to attend a final interview. The scores from both the technical test and interview stages will be combined to determine your overall outcome. Feedback will be provided at this stage. Stage 3: Interview (success profiles) You will be invited to a single remote interview. Behaviours and Technical skills from the GDD Data Science profile will be tested at interview The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: * Seeing the Big Picture * Changing and Improving – (Lead behavior) * Working Together Interviews will be held week commencing 12th October 2026, please note these dates are subject to change. 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 office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. Based at our scientific campus, you will be required to have 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. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check. Eligibility Criteria – External Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants). Salary Information If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms. Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location. Senior Executive Officer (SEO) * £46,310 - £52,113 (Inner) Future location UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK. The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff. Reasonable Adjustments The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs. You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/ International Police check If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period. Internal Fraud Check If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub, and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for external candidates to the Civil Service. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.### Security Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check . See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.### Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: * UK nationals * nationals of the Republic of Ireland * nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK * nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) * nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) * individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 * Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles . The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.### Diversity and Inclusion 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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .Apply and further information --------------------------------- This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.### Contact point for applicants Job contact : * Name : Gurkamal Bhambra * Email : gurkamal.bhambra@ukhsa.gov.uk Recruitment team * Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk Further information The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Visit the Civil Service Commission website for further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk