Data Scientist London, England
Job description
Details
Reference number
Salary
Job grade
Contract type
Loan
Secondment
Length of employment
Business area
Type of role
Operational Research
Statistics
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information
Location
About the job
Job summary
This recruitment is continuing as usual, but candidates should be aware that following the Government’s announcement on the changes to some civil service departments, roles will be located in the new Department for Business and Trade.
Background
The Global Supply Chains Directorate leads on ensuring resilience in critical supply chains – assessing vulnerabilities and actions to be taken to secure resilience. It oversees Government’s forward-looking view of risk relating to global supply chain vulnerabilities, working across Whitehall and industry to inform fast-paced and strategic decision making at the highest levels in government.
The Global Supply Chains Intelligence (GSCI) Pilot will develop a prototype that brings together government and commercial datasets using novel analytical and data science techniques to derive insights. The prototype will provide detailed visibility on supply chain country and company dependencies, where the UK sits in global value chains, and relationships between inputs, intermediaries and final products. The primary objective of the pilot is to prove that government and commercial datasets can be brought together to derive insights which are useful to Government organisations and, potentially, the private sector.
The Role
As a senior data scientist you will work in a team of data scientists to use your expertise in data science and analytical techniques to support the development and delivery of a prototype that derives supply chains insights.
For example, this may include overseeing the work of analytical groups, such as the ONS Data Science Campus, to explore supply chain datasets and test analytical and data science techniques to link datasets together to inform how goods move across the globe.
You will engage with stakeholders across DIT and other Government Departments to understand potential user needs, provide advice on new data sources, and utilise your data science skills to help maximise the value of the prototype. You will also engage with external suppliers of data and related services in order to assess and recommend them for inclusion in a prototype.
You will provide leadership on data exploration and use of analytical techniques and help identify and prioritise opportunities in each phase of the project.
Job description
You will be responsible for the following:
- Working collaboratively and flexibly in the Pilot team, using Agile ways of working, and take ownership of tasks and deliverables.
- Oversee and conduct data exploration of Government, commercial and open datasets, including helping to negotiate and arrange access.
- Undertake engagement with external providers of supply chain data and tools in order to understand and assess their products and how they could be used in the Pilot.
- Use new data sources, cutting-edge analytical tools and techniques, coding skills, research skills, and mathematical and statistical skills to deliver innovative data science for the public sector.
- Improve statistics using new data and methods from data science, for example improving information of the interactions between different industries or providing more timely data on economic activity.
- Conduct research and analysis on the UK economy using, for example, time series techniques, network science, data linkage methods, big data and causal inference.
- Engage in activities to support the data science community through, for example, presentations, workshops, and mentoring—including acting as an ambassador for the Campus and the UK public sector data science community.
- Ability to work dynamically and understand the waves of activity and processes require this flex and dynamism.
- Use both agile and project management skills and processes to support progression, including planning, dependency, and risk and issue management.
- Be able to present to stakeholders and governance groups to update, escalate or present solutions.
- Flexible and pragmatic, integrates team working to avoid silo working.
- Work with several other government departments that are supporting the pilot to understand user requirements, develop mock-ups, and keep them informed of developments.
- Identify and implement analytical techniques which enable the combination of datasets in order to identify relationships between different products, and other variables.
- Identify and implement analytical and data science tools and techniques (such as NLP and graph databases) which enable the discovery, development and analysis of supply chain networks, so that users can analyse connections and dependencies to identify risks, or opportunities across supply chains.
- There may be opportunity for line/work management of other analysts in the team.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Ability to undertake the tasks listed in the job description and role specification.
- Experience of leading teams.
- A track record of delivering complex data science projects on time to meet user needs, and overcoming any challenges.
- A demonstrable commitment to developing your knowledge and expertise, as well as that of others.
- Significant technical data science knowledge.
- Must either be a member of Government Operational Research Service (GORS) or Government Statistican Group (GSG), if not a member, you must be willing to sit and successfully pass the GSS test.
Any candidates who are not members of GSG or GORS will need to fulfil at least one of the following qualification requirements -
- A first or second class honours degree in a numerate subject containing at least 25% taught statistical content(e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)
-
A higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or
similar) - Have worked in a statistical/data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a CPD Log Book) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree/HND (Level 5)
- Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least 2 years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics or data analysis (via a CPD log book signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession)
Hybrid working
The role will be based in either Darlington or London. You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas.
Informal hybrid working arrangements will be available as agreed with the vacancy manager and in line with the requirements of the role.
Most DIT employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending 2-3 days a week (pro rata) in an office, on average. If your office location is London, you will be eligible to receive London weighting.
Appointments will be made to candidates in merit order based on location preferences.
Support in applying for our vacancies is available by joining a virtual Candidate Support Session. These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview.
Qualifications
- A first or second class honours degree in a numerate subject containing at least 25% taught statistical content(e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)
similar)
- Have worked in a statistical/data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a CPD Log Book) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree/HND (Level 5)
- Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least 2 years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics or data analysis (via a CPD log book signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession)
If you are applying as a current, permanent, badged member then you must say yes to having the qualifications required and state this in the qualifications section of the application form. You may be asked to provide proof of membership and we will verify this in the recruitment process with the relevant government professional body. If membership is not verified then you will be withdrawn immediately from the recruitment round.
Memberships
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Data Science: The candidate will be asked at interview to describe an innovative data science project they worked on and how it impacted decision making.
- For statisticians applying from within government and for candidates applying from outside government: You will also be assessed against the GSS competency framework - https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GSG-competency-framework-202
Benefits
- 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%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception.
Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.
Sift will take place week commencing 20/02/2023.
Interviews will take place week commencing 06/03/2023.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and a Personal Statement.
Please align your CV with previous skills and experience. Maximum of 2 A4 pages.
In your Personal Statement, please explain your motivation for applying for this role and the extent to which you satisfy the essential and desirable requirements of the role, through evidence. Maximum word count of 750.
Once you have submitted your application and the application has closed, you will be emailed during standard working hours inviting you to complete the GSS online multiple choice test. This is a timed test and must be completed within 48 hours for you to be considered for the next stage of the process. You are encouraged to try the test attached to the advert before attempting the real test. Please ensure you inform us ahead of the test if you require any reasonable adjustments to be considered.
Please note: If you are already a member of either GORS or GSG, you are exempt from sitting the online test. To prevent your application being rejected please email [email protected] as soon as you submit an application to notify us. Please ensure campaign number is in the email title. Once confirmed you will be moved onto the next stage by our recruitment team.
The successful candidate will be badged to the profession upon appointment.
For this role, the Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. Please note we are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
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.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
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.
Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.
The Department for International Trade embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation.
Please note – harmonised terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to the Department for International Trade 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 https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
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 an 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.
Vetting Requirements SC
All security clearances require you to provide evidence of your UK footprint where you have been physically present in the UK.
The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.
If you require SC clearance you will need to provide evidence of the below requirements.
Checks will be made against:
- Departmental or company records (personnel files, staff reports, sick leave reports and security records)
- UK criminal records covering both spent and unspent criminal records.
- Your credit and financial history with a credit reference agency
- Security Services records
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
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
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 DIT by email: [email protected].
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission/Complaints
