Associate Data Scientist (HEO)

On behalf ofONS, we are looking for anAssociate Data Scientist (INSIDE IR35)for a6 monthcontract basedHybrid in Newport or Titchfield.

ONS is building a brand new early career Data Scientist talent pipeline to grow the next generation of data professionals supporting the UK’s most important statistics.

This is a fantastic opportunity for people with foundational data science skills who are looking to develop quickly, gainhands onexperience and contribute to projects that impact millions of people across the UK.

You’ll join as an Associate Data Scientist (HEO), working within multidisciplinary teams alongside experienced Data Scientists, Data Engineers and Software Engineers. You’ll contribute to the development ofanalyticalmodels, data pipelines and statistical products that underpin core UK government data.

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• Preparing, cleaning and transforming datasets foranalysis.
  
• Building and testing simple machine‑learning models under guidance.
  
• Contributing to data science projects used in national statistics, forecasting and research.
  
• Working with Data Engineers and senior DS colleagues to deliver quality‑assured outputs.
  
• Learning new tools, techniques and technologies as part of structured development pathways.
  
• This role suits someone with solid academic grounding and earlyhands‑onexperience who wants to grow fast.
  
• Experience using Python or R to write scripts and build basic models.
  
• Understanding of statistics and model evaluation metrics.
  
• Ability to clean, prepare and manipulate data.
  
• Ability to explain findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  
• Curious,analyticalmindset with a desire to learn and grow.
  
• A degree in Data Science, Maths, Statistics, Computer Science or related field or equivalent practical experience.
  
• Exposure to cloud environments (e.g., AWS or Azure).
  
• Familiarity with data visualisation tools (PowerBI, Plotly or similar).
  
• Some experience with machine learning libraries (such as Scikit‑learn).
  
• Basic understanding of Agile or collaborative delivery methods.
  

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

As a member of the DisabilityConfidentScheme, ONS guarantees to interview allcandidateswho have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume ofcandidateswho have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the bestcandidatesfrom within that group.

This scheme encouragescandidateswith a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. Inexceptionalcircumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holdingactivesecurity clearance.

ONS guarantees to interviewveterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-militarycandidates/ military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, wewill interview the bestcandidatesfrom within that group. Inexceptionalcircumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holdingactivesecurity clearance.

"In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".