Principal Data Scientist

Do you want to use data to bring about the next generation of transport decision making?

Are you an experienced data scientist?

Then we’d love for you to apply for this job!

You will play an essential role in putting data and data science at the heart of decision making, increasing the impact of data science in DfT. You will play a key role in growing the use of Data Science in the Department and applying it to high stakes decisions. You will work with and lead a range of colleagues, data engineers, digital leads, analytics colleagues, policy leads and external contractors.

Key to this role will be leading the data science team’s contribution to the delivery of the digital Connectivity Tool application. This innovative Tool aims to ensure new development is located in the right places, connected by the right infrastructure, to maximise sustainable growth. The web-based application fills an essential analytical gap in how transport connectivity is measured and scored. Improvements to the planning system are a ministerial priority and the Connectivity Tool will be an important contribution to the decision-making landscape.

Job description

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and deliver high value data science projects, working autonomously to act as the main customer link, delivering to cost and time
  
  
• Lead the data science team’s technical contribution to the delivery of the Connectivity Tool providing creative solutions to complex issues evaluating the approach against delivery risk and user requirements
  
  
• Take an innovative approach to the maintenance of the Connectivity Tool’s existing data and identify opportunities for use of new data sources
  
  
• Responsible for providing high quality advise on the best way to applying mathematical methodologies to the Tool, leading optioneering and solutioning discussions
  
  
• Champion data science capability both within the team and across DfT
  
  
• Lead engagement with key internal and external stakeholders to provide meaningful updates on key activities
  
  
• Lead data science contributions to SCS reporting activities, including information gathering and quality checking
  
  About the team
  
  The Planning Team are a multi-disciplinary centre of excellence specialising in providing credible expert spatial and transport planning advice. The team works across the full gamut of DfT policy interests, across all modes and work closely with each of the Department’s Arms Length Bodies. They have been pivotal in influencing the Government’s wider programme of planning reform and recently have been working with the Data Science Team in developing the policy landscape for the Connectivity Tool, extolling the transformational value the tool can have in delivering the homes, jobs and transport infrastructure needed to support the Government’s growth and health missions. Along with the PMO, you’ll join a high performing project team leading the data science inputs to the Connectivity Tool’s development and will be pivotal to driving success.
  
  You will also have links into the wider analytical and data science communities who are ambitious about developing skills, expanding their reach and increasing their impact. You will contribute to the creation of new opportunities for DfT using the latest technology and tools: looking for projects which will deliver massive amounts of value: hundreds of millions of pounds in savings or improving transport for millions of people.
  
  Person specification
  
  You will need to have experience:
  
  
• Leading and delivering data science projects yourself and through others.
  
  
• Engaging with Stakeholders to understand their needs and identify where data science can improve decision making.
  
  
• Building technical capability in the team and organisation.
  
  In addition, you will also need the following experience, including but not limited to:
  
  
• Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices, including a range of scientific methods through experimental design, exploratory data analysis and hypothesis testing to reach robust conclusions. Confidence using analytical approaches and interpreting data.
  
  
• Expert Python (and ideally experience with Rust), front end development experience (ideally including JavaScript, Svelte and C#)
  
  
• Experience using cloud computing services (ideally GCP)
  
  
• Experience inferring, predicting or forecasting using a variety of machine learning techniques. Understanding of good practices in model development and deployment
  
  
• Experience identifying efficient and effective ways to use data science to tackle business and organisational challenges
  
  
• Experience promoting professional development by expanding data science knowledge and sharing best practice across departments/industry.
  
  Benefits
  
  Alongside your salary of £54,867, Department for Transport contributes £15,894 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
  
  Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.
  
  Find out more about what it's like working at the Department for Transport