Data Scientist Lowestoft, England
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About the job
Job summary
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is a leader in marine science and technology, providing innovation, scientific evidence and impartial, professional advice on the aquatic environment. Our work for the UK Government, national and international partners addresses the global problems of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security. The Data Science and Statistics Team collaborate with experts from across Cefas’ Science Directorate, providing technical expertise to deliver study design and analysis, novel data capture, input to national and international working groups, and peer-reviewed publications.
Working in the Data Science and Statistics Team, you will deliver data science and automated image analysis capability to projects. The work involves deploying image capture, processing and applications of artificial intelligence and statistical algorithms on large data sets. You will carry out data science analyses on diverse marine science topics, working from data capture, through analysis, to innovative methods of reporting. Current projects include developing data, systems, and algorithms to automatically monitor plankton, seabed fauna, and fish catches, and remotely detect beach litter.
The team’s remit spans Cefas’ broad science themes, so you will have opportunities to provide analysis for a variety of fisheries and environmental datasets, building your areas of research interest. You will also promote reproducible research, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and work with our strategic partners, including The Alan Turing Institute and leading UK Universities.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
Job description
Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Technical - deliver science research projects involving novel analytical approaches or applications using machine learning, deep learning, image processing and computer vision. This will include collaborating with subject specialists to ensure the quantity and quality of input data address the research question.
- Scientific computing - use cloud computing infrastructure to implement AI algorithms for automated image analysis, working alongside fellow data scientists and statisticians to propose, trial and improve methods.
- You will also contribute to external research collaborations and communicate research findings to technical and non-technical audiences, including writing technical reports and contributing to peer-reviewed papers.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Evidence of applying modern data science analyses, in areas such as machine learning, deep learning, image processing and computer vision. Willing and able to learn new techniques;
- Ability to handle and manipulate big data from multiple sources, with sound programming skills;
- Knowledge of scientific computing, preferably including Linux and Windows, and the able to use cloud computing solutions;
- Good communication and writing skills, with excellent attention to detail, and able to contribute to scientific reports and publications;
- You understand and ensure ethical standards and laws around data and AI are followed in your work;
- The ability to work as part of a team and unaided. Able to balance working across multiple projects and organise your own work to meet deadlines; and
- A degree or MSc in a quantitative subject with a substantial component of computing. An equivalent qualification will be considered, as will equivalent relevant work experience.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Changing and Improving
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Technical understanding of data science tools and techniques, including image analysis.
- Excellent scientific computing and programming, for example Python.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the late Queen's birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), and a 500-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. In addition you will need to provide a 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour - Changing and Improving. You will also need to provide two, 250-word statements on how you meet each of the advertised technical skills - 'Technical understanding of data science tools and techniques, including image analysis' and 'excellent scientific computing and programming, for example Python'.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Changing and Improving. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates are to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on your previous experience, behaviours, technical skills and strengths.
You may also be required to give a presentation. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour, Changing and Improving, will be used by the panel.
The interview will be undertaken in person or remotely.
Location
Please be aware that this role is based at the Lowestoft Laboratory.
Blended Working
Using a blended working framework, we can have some choice over when, where and how we work to deliver our outcomes to meet customer and business needs. For many people, this will mean working some of the time in a Cefas workplace, fieldwork, and some from home where this is possible to do so.
In summary, we encourage colleagues to work face-to-face (office, laboratory, vessel, field, etc.) at least 40% of Cefas work time, and the expectation is for everyone to spend a minimum average of one day per usual working week at one of our sites.
The remainder of the working week may be located by personal choice to best meet Cefas business need: at home, another Cefas base, field work, vessel, visiting a Defra site or other customer base.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the “Assistance required” 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.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service 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 [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
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.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
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) (opens in a new window)
- 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
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
