Principal Analytical Data Scientist

Job summary

About OPSS�

Do you care about the safety of products and want to protect people and places? Can we use your skills, knowledge and experience to enable UK business to thrive? If the answer is yes, then we would like to hear from you!�
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We are the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), part of the Department for Business & Trade. We are here for the purpose of making regulation work to deliver real world impact.

Regulation is a powerful Government tool to address market failures, influence behaviour and promote positive action. Crafted and delivered well, regulation can be an enabler of growth, innovation and efficiency.�

Since early 2018 we have been building a positive and creative team that enjoys a position of influence and respect within an organisation that continues to grow, most recently with the addition of construction products regulation planned.�

Our primary purpose is to protect people and places from product-related harm, ensuring consumers and businesses can buy and sell products with confidence�

Further information can be found on our website�

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. We embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.�

Become part of a Bigger Picture�

The Data Analysis and Evidence Strategy Team is embedded within a vast Research and Analysis group, boasting 45 professionals and counting across various analytical disciplines. Our Deputy Director even leads the Social Research profession as Head of Profession!�

Now is an exciting time to get involved and join a rapidly growing team to help craft our thinking around using data to develop new insights into product safety. We have a strong commitment to learning and development and are not afraid to try new and innovative approaches.

Job description

Are you ready to make a tangible impact on public safety?

We are seeking a skilled Data Science Lead to join our dynamic team and help shape the future of product safety in the UK. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your analytical expertise and drive positive change.

Your Role

You will be leading the charge in utilising data science to pinpoint and mitigate product safety hazards. Your role will involve spearheading pilot projects to determine the most valuable applications of data science within the organisation, then scaling successful initiatives into full production.

Your efforts will be instrumental in informing policy and safeguarding consumers, as you collaborate with teams across OPSS to uncover ways to employ data science techniques for generating insights, enhancing procedures, and detecting product safety risks.

Identifying and Seizing Data Science Opportunities:Proactively search for and identify data science projects that can significantly improve OPSS's operations.Leading Data Science Projects with Precisiontake the reins on data science projects, from initial conception to successful implementation.Resolve complex data challengeswith finesse, including analysing messy and free-text data and building models to uncover hidden patterns.Streamline processesinvolving data comprehension, boosting efficiency and accuracy.Masterfully manage project tasks:�allocate resources strategically, and forge strong connections with internal and external stakeholders.Co-Leading the Data Science Team:Jointly lead with another Data Scientist, supervising two data scientists and delegating tasks for your projectsEnsuring Quality and Excellence in Your Team's Work:maintain the highest standards by implementing rigorous quality assurance measures and championing coding best practices.Disseminating Insights with Impact:Share your team's findings throughout the organisation to foster positive changePresent Analysisto senior leaders with clarity and conviction, develop informative dashboards, and empower the organisation to understand the transformative power of data science and AI.Staying Ahead of the Curve:Stay informed about the latest developments in your field by actively engaging and networking with analysts across DBT and beyond.

Ready to Join Our Team?

If you're a talented data scientist who's passionate about making a positive impact, we encourage you to apply. Let's work together to create a safer future.

Person specification

If you're passionate about using data to protect people and places and want to be part of our dynamic team, we're looking for someone with the following skills:

Natural Curiosity:An unwavering commitment to broaden both personal and communal data science understanding.Technical Proficiency:Expertise in using data science techniques and using coding languages such as R or Python.Data Mastery:Proficient in the extraction, cleansing, processing, visualization, and analysis of data.Leadership Skills:demonstrated leadership in guiding a team to deliver successful analytical coding projects and solutions.Communication:An aptitude for communicating analytical�insights to a varied audience of both technical and non-technical backgrounds.A membership, or eligibility to joinany of the following professions; Government Operational Research Service, Government Statistics Service, Government Social Research Service, or Government Economic Service. If you are not a member of any of the professions listed above, we will facilitate your gaining membership as part of the recruitment process.

We seek candidates whose experience aligns with the previously listed responsibilities. We are committed to promoting diversity and do not expect any applicant to have experience with every listed responsibility.

Professional Membership Eligibility- Qualifications

To be eligible to join one of the listed professions, candidates must hold the following qualification's:�

Government Statistical Group (GSG)

A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills, or; A higher degree, , an MSc or PhD, in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics (this is not a definitive list), or; Have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development (via a log book) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (level five)

Government Economic Service (GES)

A first or upper second-class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or; A postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics. You must have studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics.

Government Operational Research Service (GORS)

You must possess a 2:1 or higher numerate degree, or a 2:2 with relevant work experience or postgraduate qualification. Highly numerate degrees include: Astrophysics, Data Science, Decision Science, Econometrics, Engineering, Mathematics, Operational Research, Physics and Statistics. Other numerate degrees, such as Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Finance, Geography, IT, Management, Management Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Sciences and Systems Science, may be accepted if 50% or more of the modules are considered highly numerate.

Government Social Research (GSR)

Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research, or; Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (, an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years� social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter theGSRthrough this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.

Professional Membership- Badging exercises

you must be a current badged member of one of the above professions, or eligible and willing to become a badged member by completing tests and other assessment methods as part of the selection process:

GSG Badging:

Applicants who are not already members of the Government Statistician Group (GSG) will be required to do an online statistical test and a dissemination exercise as part of the application process to join the GSG.�

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.

GORS Badging:

GORS skills will be assessed at the interview please refer to: � and

GSR Badging:

In advance of the interview, if you are not an existing member of the Government Social Research (GSR) profession, you will be required to undertake a 45 minute online written �knowledge test�. This test will be supervised and conducted online over MS Teams and involve you responding to a range of exam questions to test your technical knowledge of social research and statistical methods.�

All technical questions will be based on the grade specific skills and knowledge required for the GSR profession set out in the GSR framework � a copy which can be obtained from the link below:�

Government Social Research (GSR) Technical Expertise Framework: �

GES Badging:

Demonstration of skills, knowledge and experience to succeed as a GovernmentEconomist atthe grade applied for or be an existing member of the Government Economic Service. Technical skills will be assessed against the grade requirement of the Government Economic Service (GES). Details can be found in the GES Framework. These will be assessed during the selection process, including at both sift of your written application and interview. Applicants who are civil servants but not members of the GES and anyone applying from outside government must be able to demonstrate you meet the requirements of the GES, as successful appointment will include membership of the GES.

For applicants applying after more than a couple of years after university, who are not an existing member of the Government Economic Service relevant experience consists of experience working on economic analysis or research including for example in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team.

To enter the GES through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your economic experience and skills covering the three components of the GES technical framework.�

Memberships

Candidates must be a badged member of GSG, GORS, GES or GSR or willing to undergo a test to become a badged member of one of these professions.

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:

Technical Questions- Please refer to the selection process details below for further information relating to the technical questions you will be assessed against for each frame work Technical Questions- Please refer to the selection process details below for further information relating to the technical questions you will be assessed against for each frame work Technical Questions- Please refer to the selection process details below for further information relating to the technical questions you will be assessed against for each frame work Data Science Presentation- Please refer to the selection process details below for further information relating to the technical questions you will be assessed against for each frame work

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �53,560, Department for Business and Trade contributes �15,516 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Thrive in and out of the office:We prioritise your well-being and offer a robust benefits package to support your work-life balance. Here's what you can expect:

Flexible Working:Craft your workday with flexible working arrangements and flexi-time options (subject to role requirements).Generous Leave:Enjoy a healthy vacation balance with 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years. Plus, 8 public holidays and a privilege day for additional time off.Family-Friendly Policies:Access competitive maternity, paternity, and parental leave.Reward and Recognition:See your hard work acknowledged with our in-year reward and recognition scheme, celebrating achievements and contributions.Learn & Grow:Invest in yourself with 5 paid days dedicated to your learning and development to support your continued professional development.�Inclusive Community:Connect with colleagues from diverse backgrounds through our thriving staff networks, fostering a sense of belonging and support.Healthy You:Stay active with our Cycle to Work scheme.Wellbeing Support:Maintain your mental and emotional well-being through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Workplace Wellness services.Exclusive Discounts:Enjoy savings on your everyday spending with our employee discount scheme, offering perks at high street shops, restaurants, and online retailers.Secure Your Future:Build a secure future with a Civil Service Pension scheme boasting an average employer contribution of 27%.

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

Please refer to the attached candidate pack for further information on our benefits.