Principal Data Scientist

Job summary

Data science is a broad and fast-moving field spanning maths, statistics, software engineering and communications. Data scientists will often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, using data and analytics to inform and achieve organisational goals.

In this role, you will:
-be inquisitive
-explore and visualise data
-make recommendations to address complex problems and to inform strategic and operational decision making
-use data ethically and appropriately
-be innovative and adaptable
-explore existing and new data using a range of statistical tools and techniques, such as machine learning and predictive analytics
-find patterns in data and transform them into organisational insight

You will work alongside other Data Scientists supporting data science and engineering products in the Health Protection Intelligence Systems and Data team. The HPISD Unit is responsible for a variety of Products and Services that support Health Protection Teams, Field Services, and others. We have four main areas of work: Health Protection Data, Health Protection Systems, Health Protection Intelligence, and the Cornerstone, as well as research enablement and translation for NIHR-funded Health Protection Research Units (HPRU), principally the HPRU on Pathogen Genomics and HPRU on Anti-microbial Resistance.

Job description

A principal data scientist is a leader of data science, quite often with responsibility for managing and developing teams.

At this role level, you will:

-have a broad knowledge of data science techniques, use cases and potential impact, as well as the tools and technologies
-have extensive experience in scoping, designing and delivering data science outputs and products
-work collaboratively with a range of experts in support of organisational objectives
-communicate effectively and challenge delivery plans and priorities
-appreciate and understand data ethics, data preparation and manipulation
-appreciate and understand delivery methods, and how to deliver supported solutions at scale

In this team, you will:

-Maintain and develop data product tools using SQL, R, Python or other languages. Work with colleagues from across Genomics to produce innovative and reproducible data products.
-Develop scalable, innovative approaches to extract, manage, and analyse genomic data.
-Develop, manage and maintain databases and data pipelines involving ingress and egress of data from disparate systems

Project work

-Work with and, advise across Genomics to define the scope of projects and the technical tasks within projects

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

-You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements

-Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events

OTHER DUTIES

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Directorate.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

• Strong proficiency applying analytical and statistical techniques across real-world codebases; practitioner level in SQL and in Python and/or R with fluency in Git-based workflows (branching, code review) testing and reproducible environments. Support development of coding capability across the team.
• Experience in wrangling, cleaning and preprocessing data in readiness for analysis, including working efficiently with large/complex datasets. Promotes best practice across the team.
• Designs and deploys machine learning solutions appropriate to context, selecting sound validation strategies and critiquing model limitations. Embeds responsible practices and team wide standards.
• Lead a team of data scientists, ensuring high technical standards and professional development. Ensure effective delivery of programmes of work and manage competing demands under pressure.
• Construct and deliver compelling data stories using advanced data visualisation techniques, tailoring messages to business owners, senior leadership, and forums such as conferences.
• 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. Ensure confidentiality issues and statutory information governance requirements are followed robustly by self and team.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills and user centred approach to developing solutions. Ensure evolving user requirements are translated into clear deliverable project outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, communicate, present and capture requirements from technical and non-technical stakeholders. Negotiate confidently and advocate for the value of data science within wider organisational priorities.
• Exercise independent judgement to set direction within remit, proactively escalating critical decisions with clear options, trade-offs and risk assessment while ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Fosters an inclusive psychologically safe team culture and addresses inequities.
• A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills.
• OR 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)

Desirable criteria

• Utilise a range of data sources (clinical, epidemiological environmental and socio-economic data) to support efficient management of public health incident response, operations, and for research purposes including engaging with data owners, automating bespoke pipelines, and querying and linking data.
• Experience of using bioinformatics software and packages
• Experience of database management and data warehousing
• Experience of producing analytical products (e.g., software packages, automated reports, dynamic visualisations/dashboards) for decision making.
• Experience implementing testing code and code refactoring to reduce computational timing/required resources.
• Experience of deploying machine learning models as part of service development

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,185, UK Health Security Agency contributes £16,276 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 12 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 word supporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

-Strong proficiency applying analytical and statistical techniques across real-world codebases; practitioner level in SQL and in Python and/or R with fluency in Git-based workflows (branching, code review) testing and reproducible environments. Support development of coding capability across the team.

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a single remote interview.

If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview

There will be a Technical Test to confirm programming aptitude.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQs. Please note, travel to our Core HQ in Canary Wharf may be required.

We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London). Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport links and benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Baseline Personnel Security Standard.

Eligibility Criteria

External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Grade 7:

• £56,185- £66,581 (National)
• £58,340- £68,574 (Outer London)
• £60,494- £70,566 (Inner London)

If this role is fixed term and you are not currently a Civil Servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment; you may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. Loans are normally agreed for a period of two years. However, this may be extended where required, subject to agreement between UKHSA and your home department. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy. If this role is permanent, it may also be available as a loan (for existing Civil Servants only) or secondment arrangement, subject to business need and agreement from the hiring manager and, where applicable, the employee's home organisation.

Reserve List

If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list. The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. 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.

Incident Response Activity

From time to time, the role holder may be required to support UKHSA’s incident response activity by contributing their appropriate expertise within an Incident Cell; during such periods, supported by the line manager, this work will take priority over normal day-to-day responsibilities, commensurate with their grade, skills and experience.

Qualifications and Registrations

For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot
commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK. The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any
reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon
as possible to discuss your needs. You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud Check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub, and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for external candidates to the Civil Service.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Timor Miakhel
• Email : Timor.Miakhel@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

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 should
contact the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@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 website for
further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/8350836