Principal Data Scientist

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it’s really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

Please note, this recruitment process will include a face-to-face interview conducted at HMRC Regional Centre, 3 New Bailey, Salford.

The Data Science team sits within HMRC’s Chief Digital & Information Office (CDIO) and delivers innovative analytical and machine learning solutions that address real operational challenges. As part of this team, you will contribute to high-impact work that directly improves HMRC’s effectiveness and customer outcomes.

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for a Principal Data Scientist to join the Analytics Team – one of four specialist Data Science teams in HMRC’s technology area. The team builds innovative data science solutions that solve real business problems by exploiting HMRC’s rich and complex datasets. As HMRC’s Centre of Excellence for narrow Artificial Intelligence (AI), the team uses machine learning techniques to build robust, ethical, and high-performing models that support better decision-making and improve targeting.

Projects span a wide range of operational areas, including supervised ML for risk targeting, linking disparate datasets to identify potential fraud or non-compliance, extracting insights from non-standard data sources, and developing analytical dashboards and applications.

This role enables HMRC to make better use of compliance and other underutilised data by surfacing relevant data and developing new insights through visualisation, advanced analytical methods, and innovative data extraction approaches.

You will work closely with subject matter experts and operational teams, ensuring the right data is made available and understood, to deliver high-quality compliance-related data.

You will also help scope, design, and deliver developments using project-based working techniques, while providing advice on advanced analytical techniques across HMRC and wider government.

Person specification

We are looking for an experienced, proactive data scientist who is an innovator in the technology stack. You will take responsibility for leading the development one of HMRC's best-used internal applications from a data and technical perspective. You will bring strong technical expertise, practical experience of building and deploying applications that many use to enable insights from information provided.

You will:

• Maintain, develop and deploy R-Shiny applications that assist HMRC in targeting and decision-making.

• Explore innovative use of new technologies within HMRC's cloud-based technology stack to improve delivery of this application and others. Challenge others on inappropriate use of various technologies.

• Prepare and analyse large datasets using robust coding practices and reproducible workflows, including utilising Git and Denodo.

• Investigate, source and manipulate complex, disparate and sometimes unstructured datasets to provide meaningful insights from HMRC's myriad of data.

• Collaborate with operational and policy colleagues to understand relevant business needs and ensure developments support operational priorities.

• Provide advice, guidance, and peer support to colleagues on the use of advanced technical techniques.

• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a commitment to professional development in broader data science techniques, including ML applications.

To be successful in this role, you must meet the technical requirements for Government Digital and Data (Principal Data Scientist) roles and hold qualifications suitable for later badging into either GORS or GSG.

You must demonstrate:

1. Programming and Build - Strong coding skills to prepare, manipulate, and analyse large datasets efficiently using reproducible, high-quality data science practices.
   Particular skills required relating to R and R-Shiny.
   
   
2. Data engineering - Understanding of a broad range of architectures, including cloud and on-premise, and data manipulation and transformation tools deployed within the organisation, e.g., Git and Denodo. Can use these tools appropriately and help others use them.
   
   
3. Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices - Understanding of a broad range of statistical tools, particularly those deployed within the organisation, and can use these appropriately and help others to use them.
   
   
4. Understanding product delivery - Work with specialists in multidisciplinary teams to smoothly deliver data science products into a complex organisation.

• A numerate degree meeting GORS or GSG eligibility, demonstrating strong quantitative capability.

Profession frameworks: More information on the analytical profession frameworks and broad eligibility criteria at Grade 7 level can be found at the following pages.

• The Data Scientist skills required are taken from the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (Principal Data Scientist, Grade 7): Data scientist - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework
  
  
• GORS framework (Government Operational Research Service - GOV.UK): eligibility is a minimum 2i numerate degree or Masters with at least 50% numerate coverage.
  
  
• GSG framework (Joining the GSS and GSG – Government Analysis Function): eligibility is a minimum second-class degree in “a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills.”

Please get in touch with the vacancy holder if unsure about any elements of eligibility or technical frameworks.

Further Information

As an additional contact for this vacancy if you cannot contact the Vacancy Holders directly, John Lord (on 0777 563 2214 or at john.lord@hmrc.gov.uk) or Shevonne Radcliffe (on 03000 515 288 or at shevonne.radcliffe@hmrc.gov.uk) for any queries.

Qualifications

A numerate degree meeting GORS or GSG eligibility is mandatory for this role, demonstrating strong quantitative capability.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Programming and Build
• Data engineering
• Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices
• Understanding product delivery

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £58,541, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £16,959 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it’s really like to work for HMRChear from our insiders or visitThinking of joining the Civil Service

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 is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• You will be required to complete a Civil service Numerical Test after completion of the short application form. If you do not pass this test your application will not progress.
  
  
• A name-blind CV including your job history, relevant skills and key achievements from your career which reflects the requirements of the role outlined above. Provide specific instances from your career detailing successes. Your CV should cover up to a maximum of your last 3 roles. The word limit for each role is 100 words.
  
  
• A 1,000-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should be used to describe how your skills and experience from your career reflect the Essential Criteria of the role. You should write 250 words against each of the four Essential Criteria outlined in the Person Specification, use specific examples from your career to demonstrate how you meet the following Essential Criteria.

1. Programming and Build
2. Data engineering
3. Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices
4. Understanding product delivery

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on your Personal Statement.

At full sift your CV and your Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

The interview will be conducted face-to-face at HMRC Regional Centre, 3 New Bailey, Manchester with a duration of 1 hour.

During the panel interview you will be assessed against the two behaviours outlined below and asked additional experience-based questions which will relate to the Essential Criteria.

Behaviours:

• Leadership
• Working Together

You can use the following link to learn more about the behaviours and Civil Service success profiles; Success Profiles (opens in a new window)

When answering you will be required to provide a specific instance from your career which demonstrates the Technical Skill in question. You would be advised prepare specific examples from you career in advance.

Using the STAR format will help you to structure your answers. You would be encouraged to prepare demonstrable examples of your experience ahead of the interview to ensure meaningfulness and completeness.

Presentation

HMRC use AWS, Posit (R and Python) and GitLab, amongst other tools in our Data Science technology stack. You will be asked to provide a five-minute presentation entitled “Demonstrating effective use of technology to deliver innovative solutions for the business.”

NB: You can talk to pre-prepared slides (on paper or via laptop) or give a solely verbal presentation.

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Online Tests

After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended) and ensure you allow sufficient time to complete and submit the final stage of your application after submitting your online test.

The deadline for both the test and the application is 13/05/2026 at 23:55.

Online Tests – Banked Scores

When an applicant has a banked score they are not asked to retake the same test, providing it is:

• set at the same job level, and
• within the same system.

Scores will be banked for six months, or until a new score benchmark is applied, whichever is sooner. This means that if a candidate applies for another vacancy at this grade they may not have to retake the test within that time, and their previous score will be used for the new vacancy.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk – Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example – ‘Please re-open my application – [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]’.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You’ll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ‘help’ section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Additional Security Information

Please note in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers

This role may be suitable for existing HMRC employees who are contractual homeworkers. Occasional attendance to the office will be required where there is a business need. Please consider the advertised office locations for this role when applying and only select locations from the ‘location preferences’ section that you can travel to.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).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.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

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.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 : John Lord
• Email : john.lord@hmrc.gov.uk
• Telephone : 07775632214

Recruitment team

• Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a bre