Principal Data Scientist

This pivotal role is within the Data Analytics and Surveillance (DAS) Group, which consists of a large community of data scientists, government analysts (GSG, GORS, GES, GSR), mathematical modellers, epidemiologists, information specialists and data engineers. This is a unique opportunity to help provide crucial information and insight to support the management of high-profile health incidents such as MPOX, Hepatitis, Influenza, Strep A and COVID-19 as well as other threats to health security.

UKHSA has a strong data science community with learning opportunities, community groups and hackathon events. We predominantly code in Python and R and utilise AWS and Azure based cloud environments. The team uses Agile ways of working including software such as Confluence and Jira to manage delivery.  Our Enterprise Data and Analytics Platform (EDAP) is enriched with curated, consistent, and high-quality data from existing platforms as well as providing access to a range of analytical tooling.

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.

This role is in the Advanced Analytics team. The team harnesses interdisciplinary analytical methods, tools and products which can rapidly be deployed to deliver policy relevant insight to support health security. They partner effectively and flexibly with a diverse range of stakeholders. Example methods include regression techniques, visualisation, network modelling, and natural language processing.   

 A principal data scientist is a leader of data science, often with responsibility for managing and developing teams.

At this role level, you will:

• have a broad knowledge of data science techniques, use cases and potential impact, as well as the tools and technologies
• have extensive experience in scoping, designing and delivering data science outputs and products
• work collaboratively with a range of experts in support of organisational objectives
• communicate effectively and challenge 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

Essential criteria :

Candidates will need at least one of the following:

• A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills;
• A higher degree, e.g., an MSc or PhD, in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics (this is not a definitive list);
• 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)

The successful candidates will have:

• Experience leading, delivering and quality assuring data science analyses and projects using agile methodologies
• Ability to mentor data scientists in best practice including software best practice; writing functions, modular code, use of git-based version control systems and embedding peer review
• Self-awareness of gaps in knowledge for self and team, promotes inclusiveness and seeks feedback
• Ability to ensure requirements are well understood within the team and communicate the results of analyses to senior stakeholders and decision makers
• Professional experience in Python and/or R and SQL databases
• Robust understanding of a wide range of mathematical and statistical approaches, including being able to critique analyses effectively and apply them for tangible insights and benefit for the organisation

Desirable criteria : 

 The following skills are advantageous:

• Experience of producing analytical products (e.g., software packages, automated reports, dynamic visualizations/dashboards) for decision making
• Experience of testing code and code refactoring to reduce computational timing/required resources
• Utilise a range of data sources (clinical, epidemiological environmental and socio-economic data) to support efficient management of public health incident response and for research purposes including engaging with data owners, automating bespoke pipelines, and querying and linking data
• Sound experience of a range of statistical and mathematical approaches including Generalised Additive Models, Bayesian models and Agent-Based Models

It is expected that after a short period in post you be able to meet the description set out under the Principal Data Scientist role in the Digital Data and technology (DDAT) framework. Please see more details at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/data-scientist#principal-data-scientist

• 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 average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : Recruitment Team 3
• Email : recruitmentteam3@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitmentteam3@ukhsa.gov.uk