Senior Statistical Data Scientist

Job summary

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest producer of official statistics, covering a range of key economic, social and demographic topics. These include measuring changes in the value of the UK economy, estimating the size, geographic distribution, and characteristics of the population, and providing indicators of price inflation, employment, earnings, crime, and migration.

Part of the National Statistician’s Office, the National Statistician’s Analysis Unit (NSAU) conducts policy-relevant analysis for stakeholders from across ONS and other government departments. Researchers process and analyse data, often linking across surveys and administrative data sources such as ONS Census data and health and employment records. Analysts then produce statistical outputs and rapid response policy analysis using this data. The NSAU also supports business areas across the ONS and the broader Government Statistical Service (GSS) with analytical work that is methodological in nature, leading to improved quality of analysis outputs.

Job description

The purpose of the Senior Statistical Data Scientist role is to code, manipulate, model and analyse data, report on findings in technical outputs, apply/develop innovative analytical methods, and/or develop data processes in the division.

In this role you will contribute to high-quality, policy-relevant analysis using a range of data sources and innovative analytical methods and models (both within ONS and across the broader GSS). You will contribute to development of reproducible analytical pipelines (RAP) to efficiently produce consistent and accurate datasets and statistics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for multiple aspects of statistical production/research or data science analytical projects
• Ensure analytical reproducibility, transparency and collaboration across the team
• Support the team in areas such as transformation and technical projects, taking the lead on delegated projects when required
• Apply advanced statistical and data science techniques to develop policy relevant analysis and/or improvements to current analytical methods
• Ability to respond to problems in datasets, data processes, data products and services as they occur
• Lead the development of technical and research papers and publications on the ONS website and for submission to peer reviewed journals
• Engage with stakeholders in ONS, other government departments, charities and academia to understand requirements, present results, advise on best-practice methodologies, and promote the work of the team
• Contribute to the development of funding bids to support new projects
• Potential for line management and/or matrix management of one or more analyst

Person specification

• Experience of using a range of data science and statistical techniques including knowledge of the assumptions, strengths, and limitations.
• Strong programming skills (ideally in R and/or Python) for the preparation and analysis of large datasets with experience implementing best practice, including version control and knowledge of RAP principles.
• Experience of managing the delivery of complex projects, prioritising tasks in line with organisational objectives.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex analysis to both specialists and non-specialists, and contribute effectively to discussions with senior officials and external stakeholders.
• Ability to develop others and share knowledge.

Qualifications

There are two eligibility routes for applicants:

Qualifications route
To apply you should have:
• a first- or second-class honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a numerate subject containing taught statistical content (e.g. Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Psychology, Geography,).
OR
• a higher degree, for example MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Psychology, Geography).

Experience route
Alternatively you could apply if you:
• have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development (via a logbook) covering a minimum of three years. You will need to evidence how you applied statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or HND (level five) and demonstrates the expected skills as outlined in the GSG Competency framework.

Behaviours

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

• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

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

• Programming and Computing
• Data Analysis
• Acquiring Data and Understanding Customer Needs
• Presenting and Disseminating Data Effectively

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,644, Office for National Statistics contributes £12,643 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).

The Office for National Statistics is part of the Civil Service, and as such we share a number of key benefits with other departments, whilst also having our own unique offerings to support our valued colleagues across the organisation.

Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that our careers site will give you a great insight into the benefits and facilities available to our colleagues, and our fantastic working culture.

Inclusion & Accessibility

At ONS we are always looking to attract the very best people from the widest possible talent pool, and we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer. As a Disability Confident Leader we’re committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, please contact the recruitment team in the first instance.

If you would like an accessible version of any of the attachments or recruitment documents below or linked to in this advert, please contact the recruitment team who will be happy to assist.

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.

Security Clearance

For ONS the requirement for SC clearance is to have