Job responsibilities
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
Selection criteria
Stage 1 Application & Shortlisting (sifting)
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised criteria.
You should provide examples of how you meet the essential criteria. It should also detail what you and your experience can bring to the role. We suggest using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method to demonstrate real-life examples for the specified essential criteria. Please note, only information provided within the stated word count will be considered.
You will also be asked to provide a Personal Statement / Statement of Suitability in no more than 750 words. This should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the experience criteria (outlined in the person specification section).
You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer / Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history. This will be used in the sifting process and will be scored.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to a technical test. Please note the CV and the Statement of Suitability are marked separately and you must pass both to move on. Please be aware you can not upload anything to this application , so please complete you application fully .
Stage 2 Technical Test
At this stage you will be provided with a representative data science task and data set and have 90 minutes to construct a code-based solution. You will then have an interactive discussion with a panel. Here you will present your outputs and respond to questions interactively. This session is expected to last around 15 minutes.
The assessment is predominately designed to test your coding and mathematical skills and the marking will align to the DDAT data science framework. If you pass this stage, you will proceed to the final interview stage.
Stage 3 Interview
All applicants that pass the sift and technical assessment will progress to interview and will be assessed on behaviours and technical ability through Success Profiles.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
It will also assess the following technical elements from the DDAT data science profile:
- Delivering business impact
- Developing data science capability
Option 3 External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered
Security Clearance Level Requirement:
People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which includes a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.
If we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to do a pre-sift .
Reserve List: Candidates who pass the interview criteria but are not offered a post will be kept on a reserve list for 12 months and may be contacted if similar roles become available.If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.
UKHSA offers hybrid working for its employees this means that whilst the role will be based in one of our UKHSA offices, there will be opportunities for an element of working from home. The balance between home and workplace working is to be agreed with the line manager, determined primarily by business need and in line with departmental policy. Some business travel will be required to other UKHSA offices. Business travel between base location and any other UKHSA offices will be covered under the UKHSA Travel and Expenses policy. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.
Further information
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you shouldcontact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email:Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission websitehere.
