Data Scientist – Air Quality

The UK Government has committed to taking ambitious action to improve air quality. Under the 2017 UK Plan for Tackling Roadside Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Concentrations, Local Authorities (LAs) are taking urgent action to address breaches of legal NO2 limits in their areas. LAs are being supported by a fund of over £880 million and have already implemented a broad range of measures (including Clean Air Zones) to address their NO2 exceedances in the shortest possible time. This is a large and complex programme of work led by the Defra/Department for Transport Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU).    

Data science plays an increasingly important role in assessing air quality and understanding the impact of interventions. Decision making is JAQU is informed by a large range of data from a variety of sources. This includes data provided through air quality monitoring networks and modelling, spatial meteorological and topographical datasets, traffic data, and emissions data provided through telematics systems.  

As a data scientist you will work on a variety of data analysis projects across the JAQU science programme and will also identify opportunities to drive better use of data and data science capability in the team. You will ensure that existing data is being used to maximum effect to support the delivery of JAQU’s portfolio of work and ensure the programme has the capability and tools to respond to future challenges that require the use of data science.  

The role offers the post-holder an opportunity to apply their data science expertise within the JAQU science programme on cross-cutting projects, as well as expanding data science capability and promoting data science expertise in the team.  

Key responsibilities would include:  

• Undertaking data manipulation, analysis and visualisation in order to extract key observations and conclusions from data. 
• Communication of data analysis findings clearly and effectively to a range of audiences at all levels, including both experts and non-experts. 
• Leading work to develop a scenario modelling tool to support wider air quality modelling capability. 
• Management and technical oversight of internal and external air quality science projects. 
• Identifying new opportunities or existing projects where data science could add value. 

Examples of recent analytical projects undertaken in the team include: 

• Analysis of emissions datasets from bus telematics systems. 
• Using statistical/machine learning modelling techniques to understand how local environmental factors affect NO2 measurement concentrations.  

The post-holder will work closely with colleagues across the JAQU science team and the wider Defra data science community to ensure that projects are aligned with wider departmental goals.  

This role would suit someone who has data science experience and is proactive in seeking out new opportunities and driving improvements our to current work processes. This could include, for example, investigating new sources of data or analytical insights to improve the air quality evidence base and support policy decisions.  

Specific skills and experience that are required include: 

• Technical data science capability:
  • • Experience of coding, preferably in R or Python
    • Experience with data manipulation, analysis and visualisation
    • Understanding and experience of statistical analysis
    • An understanding of statistical modelling and machine learning (desirable) 
• Ability to clearly communicate technical approaches and results to non-technical audiences. 
• Experience in planning and undertaking analytical projects to answer operational, business, or policy questions, sometimes to tight deadlines. 
• Ability to build connections outside the team to ensure strategies are not developed in silo and are aligned with wider departmental goals. 
• Ability to foster a team culture to help others build technical capability in data science and analysis. 
• Degree or equivalent experience in a STEM subject. 

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Government Science and Engineering technical skill: Building and applying knowledge
• Government Science and Engineering technical skill: Communicating Science and Engineering for Government

• 25 days’ leave (rising to 30 days over 5 years) plus bank holidays
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Funding for professional membership of a recognised professional body
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Office attendance

Successful candidates are expected to work from one of the office locations listed in this advert in order to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. Defra’s current policy is that no more than 40% of the working week should be spent at home, averaged over a month unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or the post-holder is a contractual home worker.

Job contact :

• Name : Shyn Tong
• Email : shyn.tong@defra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk