Data Scientist

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Data Scientist to join our award-winning corporate Data Science, Insight & Performance Team and help us solve some of the most pressing and complex challenges faced by local government.

You will work on a wide range of analytical and strategic projects to support diverse business needs and Council's transformation programme, drive service improvements, and deliver positive outcomes for residents we serve.

Your analytical models and solutions will support forward planning by predicting demand, highlighting risks, and guiding transformation initiatives and targeted interventions across vital services.

If you’re passionate about using data for good to improve services and outcomes for residents, committed to delivering excellent customer experiences, and thrive in a collaborative, future-focused environment – this is the perfect role for you.

What’s the role?

Lead end-to-end data science projects, from understanding business requirements, interrogating complex datasets, to designing and building advanced analytical solutions, to inform evidence-based decision making and improve the lives of our residents.

Translate complex business challenges into data science solutions and actionable insights. Manage data science projects ensuring quality, strategic business alignment and strong stakeholder engagement.

Design and deliver analytical solutions that are robust, transparent, and compliant with GDPR and DPIAs, embedding trusted and responsible principles into operational systems and decision-making processes.

Effectively communicate complex insights through clear insight, analysis and visualisations tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Research, evaluate and implement data science approaches that can be innovatively applied to contemporary local government challenges.

Collaborate with teams across the council to identify opportunities where data science and innovation can improve service delivery and deliver an outstanding customer experience.

What we’re looking for

• Extensive hands-on experience in data science, designing and building advanced analytical models, data pipelines and automated solutions to address and support diverse business needs and challenges.
• Expertise in machine learning, statistical modelling, hypothesis testing, natural language processing and other modelling techniques including geospatial modelling.
• Experience in linking and deduplicating disparate data sources using probabilistic and deterministic approaches and other record linkage techniques to improve data quality, consistency and interoperability.
• Strong programming (Python, R) and problem solving skills, applying best practices, writing manageable and reproducible code, using Git version control, RAP (Reproducible Analytical Pipelines) and producing quality documentation.
• Experience of data visualisation software and tools to build dashboards and reports (e.g. Power BI, R Markdown, Quarto, Shiny).
• A natural problem solver with an inquisitive mind who is proactive, methodical, reliable, self-motivated and results focused.
• Excellent communication skills and being able to communicate complex issues simply and in a way that is tailored for different audience.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loan
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special Conditions

• Proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: Python, R (lead essential criteria).
• Bachelor’s degree in data science or numerate discipline or demonstrable relevant career experience as a professional data scientist. A Masters degree is desirable.

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Mia Polovina, Data Science, Insight & Performance Lead at mia.polovina@lewisham.gov.uk.

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£55,353 – £57,495 per annum (P05)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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