Job Description

The Chief Data Officer Group (CDO), consists of a large community of data scientists, government analysts (GSG, GORS, GES, GSR), intelligence analysts, mathematical modellers, epidemiologists, information specialists, and data engineers. This is a unique opportunity to help provide crucial information and insight to support the management of high-profile health incidents alongside ongoing surveillance activities. UKHSA has a strong data science community with learning opportunities, community groups and hackathon events.



We predominantly code in Python and R and utilise AWS and Azure based cloud environments. The teams use Agile ways of working including software such as Confluence and Jira to manage delivery.



Our Enterprise Data and Analytics Platform (EDAP) is enriched with curated, consistent, and high-quality data from existing platforms as well as providing access to a range of analytical tooling.

We currently have openings in the following teams:

Health Analytics and Automation - Leading on the delivery of key products to support incident response and the routine surveillance of health conditions and infectious diseases. Work across directorates and with external stakeholders to identify and develop opportunities for product automation and reproducible analyses (includes the automation of epidemiological and statistical models). A background of working with clinical or epidemiological data would be advantageous.



All Hazards Intelligence-Global - An all-source intelligence assessment team accredited by the Professional Head of Intelligence Assessment. They expertly fuse qualitative and quantitative information from open, grey and closed sources, using structured analytical techniques to provide analytical insight and foresight on global health security to customers across UKHSA and government. We aim to become the exemplar at exploiting quantitative analysis in the UK intelligence assessment community. Experience of analysing health data is advantageous, but a curious and critical mind is essential.



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.



Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers



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



Essential Criteria



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)



Ability to apply advanced analytical and statistical techniques using a variety of software/codebases including practitioner level knowledge of coding including version control, SQL, R and/or Python or other programming languages relevant to data science; whilst supporting development of coding capability across the team.



Expertise in wrangling, cleaning and preprocessing data for readiness for analysis and guiding best practice across the team.



Ability to apply machine learning techniques, critically assessing model performance, limitations and ethical considerations whilst supporting the development of best practice across the team.



Previous experience of leading 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.



Ability to construct and deliver compelling data stories using advanced data visualisation techniques, confidently presenting findings to business owners, senior leadership, and forums such as conferences.



Previous experience of mentoring data scientists in best practice including software best practice; writing functions, modular code, use of git-based version control systems and embedding peer review.



Ability to ensure confidentiality issues and statutory information governance requirements are followed robustly



Well-developed problem-solving skills and user centred approach to developing solutions and 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.



Ability to negotiate confidently and advocate for the value of data science within wider organisational priorities.



Exercise independent judgement setting direction where appropriate, proactively escalating critical decisions with well-formed recommendations, considering organisational priorities and risks.



Demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Ensure the promotion of good working relationships and inclusive team culture.

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, ability and technical skills.

Stage 1:

Application & Sift



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



Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)



750 word Statement of Suitability linked to the essential criteria



Behaviour statements linked to each behaviour below (please write a maximum of 250 words linked to each behaviour)

Behaviours:

Leadership



Communicating and Influencing



Developing Self and Others



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



Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.



The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

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



Please note, only those applications meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:



Ability to apply advanced analytical and statistical techniques using a variety of software/codebases including practitioner level knowledge of coding including version control, SQL, R and/or Python or other programming languages relevant to data science; whilst supporting development of coding capability across the team.



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



Please do not exceed a total of 1500 words (750 words for Statement of Suitability and 250 words per behaviour). We will not consider any words over and above this number.



Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2:

Technical Assessment



You will be provided with a representative data science task and data set and have 90 minutes to construct a code-based solution. You will then have an interactive remote discussion with a panel. Here you will present your outputs and respond to questions interactively. This session is expected to last around 25 minutes.



Technical Assessment will be held week commencing 21st July 2025, please note these dates are subject to change.



If you pass this stage, you will proceed to the final interview stage.



Feedback will be provided at this stage.

Stage 3:

Interview



You will be invited to a remote interview.



Behaviours, ability, and technical skills will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

Leadership



Communicating and Influencing



Developing Self and Others



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 either homeworking or hybrid working based at any of our Core HQs. 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 HQ's (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) or at one of our scientific campus sites (Colindale, Porton and Chilton).



Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from 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 disclosure and barring security check.



If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.