Job description for Data Scientist

We are recruiting for a talented, motivated individual to join our growing multi-disciplinary team, with data analysis, data modelling, and digital engineering skills and knowledge.

As the landscape of threats and challenges evolves rapidly, our cohesive team must respond with a renewed focus on embedding technology into our operations.

We are working to reduce the time it takes to design and deliver equipment to the armed forces through the adoption of digital engineering techniques, to ensure the equipment we buy works as part of a coherent system with existing platforms within the UK Armed Forces, across NATO and with allies and industry.

To spearhead this transformation, we’ve established three Capability Centres. Each Capability Centre has a unique focus, playing a crucial role in developing our future transformative digital capabilities.

Through collaboration and innovation, this exceptional team will help us maintain our strategic edge over adversaries, both now and in the future.

The Capability Centres offer excellent opportunities to work with and influence senior management within DE&S and the broader Defence Enterprise, fostering new ways of working and embracing cutting-edge technologies.

We hope you will join us, to help develop these approaches and to utilise new technologies, modelling, and analysis techniques, to equip the UK armed forces with the edge to protect our nation.

The Digital and Data profession offer a range of on the job and structured training, however, if you already have experience and knowledge of other programming languages such as R, JavaScript, Python and SQL, it would be beneficial.

For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A sole UK national refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship.

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you’ve been recruited for. If it isn’t obtained or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months.

We champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

Whilst on site, you’ll experience our impressive range of on-site facilities including a restaurant and coffee bistros and free parking. Our sports facilities include a fully equipped gym and sports hall with bookable classes, as well as tennis courts and a squash court.

 What you’ll be doing

• Perform complex exploratory data analysis using data mining techniques and develop and deliver algorithmic tools and solutions to business problems.
• Utilise Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques to draw insights from data whilst adhering to industry standards and best practices for development and version control.
• Identify, define and propose options for the application data science techniques and approaches to decide the most effective way of meeting business requirements, in collaboration with Business Analysts.
• Champion Data Science and applied methodologies across DE&S, presenting findings in a clear and concise manner, tailored to your audience.
• Champion the knowledge of AI ethics development, evaluation, monitoring and deployment of data science solutions safely and understand the risks and how they can be mitigated.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Undergraduate/Postgraduate Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematical Science OR relevant previous experience.
• Experience with Data Science languages & tools such as Python/R/Cloud-based solutions.
• Experience delivering Data Mining, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and/or Natural Language based solutions.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• MI & Analytics – Practitioner
• Development & Implementation – Practitioner
• Delivering at Pace – CSBC 3
• Changing and Improving – CSBC 3

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,200, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,094 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So, whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences, and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-Terms-and-Conditions

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

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