Lead Data Scientist

Details ----------- Reference number 465705 Salary £75,026 - £80,267 A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP Job grade Grade 6### Contract type Permanent### Business area DWP - Finance - Security \& Data Protection, Data Science### Type of role Security### Working pattern Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time### Number of jobs available 1 Contents ------------ * Location * About the job * Benefits * Things you need to know * Apply and further information Location ------------ Please note that for candidates requesting to work in Newcastle, this role will be based at Benton Park View from September 2025, and then at 1 Pilgrim Place in Newcastle city centre by the end of 2027 Birmingham, Blackpool, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, SheffieldAbout the job ----------------- Job summary The DWP Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) offers a uniquely challenging and fulfilling opportunity for people interested in making a genuine difference to society. The CRC is an innovative and responsive operation delivering a range of services to help DWP protect, monitor and respond to malicious behaviour or activity and threats to, or compromises of, financial and personal data assets. About the team: Within the Department for Work \& Pensions (DWP), the Security Data Science team is part of the Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC), protecting one of the largest repositories of personal data in the UK and securing public-facing payment services used by millions of citizens. Data science is central to how we detect and respond to the threats the department faces. The team of 10 data scientists and performance analysts build capabilities that span machine learning, AI, analytics, and automation to keep DWP’s systems and citizens safe. Job description The Grade 6 Lead Security Data Scientist is responsible for the strategic direction, capability, and impact of DWP's Security Data Science team. This means owning the team's vision, setting technical standards, and ensuring the team's work is tightly aligned to DWP's security objectives: not just delivering machine learning, AI, and analytics, but making the case for data science at senior levels across the Cyber Resilience Centre and its parent group, the Security \& Data Protection (S\&DP) directorate. This is primarily a leadership role. Day-to-day you will be setting direction, developing people, and maintaining the stakeholder relationships that generate valuable work. You will also contribute technically: reviewing and shaping methodology, making sound judgements on complex problems, and remaining close enough to the work to credibly develop others. Expect around 20% of your time to be spent on direct technical contribution. The right candidate is a strong practitioner who has grown into leadership: someone with a track record of taking data science or security analytics workstreams from R\&D through to production, and who now gets more satisfaction from building a team's capability than from solving problems alone. Responsibilities: *Leadership and strategy* * Set the strategic direction for Security Data Science within DWP, ensuring the work of the team advances the organisation's security objectives. * Own the team's delivery standards, defining what good looks like across methodology, tooling, and outputs, and holding the team to it. * Drive resourcing decisions, ensuring the right skills mix across data science, AI engineering, performance analysis, and other roles. *People and capability* * Act as a player coach and technical mentor, inspiring curiosity and creativity in team members and supporting their professional development. * Own the team's professional development: running learning programmes, identifying skill gaps, and evaluating emerging techniques and tooling for adoption in the DWP security context. *Stakeholders and partnerships* * Build peer and senior relationships across the business, including security operations and policy, to create a pipeline of valuable work for the team to deliver. * Build and maintain strong relationships with data science peers across DWP and with adjacent technical communities within CRC and S\&DP including data engineers, performance analysts, and security architects, encouraging collaboration, reuse, and avoiding duplication of effort. * Represent DWP Security Data Science externally, including at cross-government forums and with bodies such as NCSC, GC3, and other government departments, to share expertise and shape the wider community of practice. *Technical delivery* * Directly manage the quality and consistency of machine learning, AI, and analytics-driven initiatives that deliver critical strategic security objectives. * Define and lead initiatives to provide appropriate platforms that support modern Data Science workflows, integrated directly into automated security pipelines. * Take responsibility for the full product delivery lifecycle of analytics capabilities, including overseeing discovery, development, deployment, monitoring, maintenance, and continual improvement of live capabilities. * Champion user research within the team, designing and managing processes to understand the needs of operational analysts, SOC teams, and other internal users to ensure data science products deliver real impact. Develop and own the Security Data Science ethical framework, overseeing compliance with data ethics standards and legislation, developing a data ethics culture within the team, and ensuring ethics is applied appropriately across all analytics capabilities and programmes. Person specification Essential Criteria Experience * A strong practitioner background in data science or machine learning, with in-depth knowledge of at least one specialism (e.g. NLP, graph analytics, time-series modelling, deep learning) and the ability to make sound technical judgements across the full stack. * Proven ability to lead, grow and develop high-performing technical teams, including setting technical direction, managing performance, and building capability in others. * Experience of building AI applications, including Retrieval Augmented Generation, prompt engineering, observability and evaluation. * Excellent stakeholder management with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences and build momentum for change at senior levels. * Experience of strategy and delivery in a large public or private sector organisation, with a track record of taking data science workstreams from conception through to production. * Expertise in cyber security data science, including ML-based detection, anomaly detection, or behavioural analytics capabilities in a security or fraud context. This role is a hybrid of specialisms, drawing from both data science and cybersecurity. We encourage you to apply if you aren’t sure if you fit all the criteria. Technical * Data science innovation: a recognised leader in the data science space; demonstrates in-depth knowledge of AI and machine learning techniques and applies them creatively to security problems; acts as a coach inspiring curiosity in others; keeps pace with developments in the field and identifies opportunities to apply them in the DWP security context. * Developing data science capability: sets the direction of continuous professional development within the team; demonstrates in-depth understanding of a wide range of techniques — including supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, LLMs, anomaly detection, and graph analytics — with detailed knowledge of at least one specialism; matches emerging developments to opportunities in the organisation. * Delivering business impact: champions the role of data science within CRC and S\&DP; takes responsibility for delivering scalable analytics capabilities into the organisation and establishing maintenance support; identifies and creates opportunities to develop products that support organisational security objectives. * Understanding product delivery: leads the team through all phases of the product delivery lifecycle; sets how the team should use and adapt delivery methods such as Agile; collaborates with stakeholders to influence direction. Oversees compliance with data ethics standards and legislation across the team's work and ensures data science products are monitored, maintained, and continually improved after deployment. The following are desirable but not essential: * Experience of strategy and delivery in a large public or private sector organisation, with a track record of taking data science workstreams from conception through to production. * Expertise in cyber security data science, including ML-based detection, anomaly detection, or behavioural analytics capabilities in a security or fraud context. * Postgraduate qualification in a quantitative discipline (data science, statistics, computer science, mathematics, or similar). * Professional security certification such as GIAC, GMON, or equivalent. This role is a hybrid of specialisms, drawing from both data science and cybersecurity. We encourage you to apply if you aren’t sure if you fit all the criteria. DV is required for this role. The applicant must be DV cleared or willing to go through clearance. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: * Leadership * Making Effective Decisions * Changing and Improving Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: * Cyber Security * Data Science * Artificial Intelligence Benefits ------------ Alongside your salary of £75,026, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £21,735 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides . DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes: * Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours. * Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro–rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave. * Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme. * Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly). * Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service. * Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes. * An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more. * DWP Employee Benefits: Discover what we offer 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 Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and a 1,250 word Personal Statement to meet the essential and desirable criteria along with your experience. Written Sift The written sift will be conducted using evidence from your CV and Personal Statement and will be assessed against the essential and desirable criteria along with your experience. Interview Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a face to face interview in one of DWP locations in the advert .The interview will assess: Behaviours, technical skills, and experience. Theinterview aims to explore the candidate’s capability for the role. To help you prepare and settle into the interview you will be sent the behaviour questions in advance along with details of the Interview location. These questions should be treated as confidential. The interview panel may ask you other questions which will not be shared in advance, including follow-up questions, and those about your experience, abilities, strengths. Candidates will be asked further probing questions to determine suitability for the role. The Interviews will take place during August or early September. Applicants are required to meet the UK residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. Developed Vetting (DV): at least 7 of the last 10 years, 2 of which must have been the immediately preceding years from the point of applying for this job. Further Information At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce. Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub. Reserve List A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made. If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note: * If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health). * If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list. Disability Confident Scheme If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards. Reasonable Adjustments We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via DWPRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the “Reasonable Adjustments” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section. Integrity, plagiarism, Civil Service Principles and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words. Examples of plagiarism can include: * Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own * Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own 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. Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out. For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website. Important New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms \& conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks. Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWP’s Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role. Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms \& conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms \& conditions. Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary. Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at the Childcare Choices Website. Feedback Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.### Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting . 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. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.### 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. The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window). 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 : Emily Gardner * Email : Emily.Gardner2@dwp.gov.uk Recruitment team * Email : dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk Further information Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DWP by email: HR.BUSINESSASSURANCE@DWP.GOV.UK. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.