Data Scientist

Are you confident when using applying data science techniques, such as optimisation algorithms, predicative modelling, or geospatial data science?

Do you have experience of using tooling such as Databricks and Azure?

Can you work effectively to deliver data science projects independently using Python and SQL?

If so, we are looking for a Data Scientist to join us at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and we'd love to hear from you! Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at

MCA roles

Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers

Data Scientists report to Head of Data Science and lead the programme of dataset utilisation to the agency. They work with senior managers and the Executive team to set priorities and conceptualise, build and deliver the way for machine learning, data insights, and AI utilisation.

Data Project Management

They scope, commission, and deliver high value data products for the benefit of the agency.

Data Modelling,

Cleaning and Analysis

Their key role is to deliver the data products to the business, ensuring the quality, usability, and analytical readiness of the data products are completed to a high standard. They champion the adoption of these data, convincing senior stakeholders of the benefits, and driving forward the Data Strategy, to Inspire Innovation.

Data Insights and Data Uptake

They lead a team in demonstrating the value of data to the organisation through providing utilisation of data, enhancing data visualisation and promoting data science across a wide range of departments.

Data Standards and Data Quality

They inspire best practice for data analysis within the organisation through delivery of data products. They set the pace, MVP criteria, and standards for these data products working with Head of Data Engineering, Head of Data Insights, Head of Data Governance, Chief Data Architect and senior stakeholders to deliver data products.

Data Leadership

They have practitioner level analytics, coding, and reporting skills, and the ability to train, mentor and guide others to these skills. They build the data analysis capability by providing technical leadership for the data community across the MCA, and wider government.

Data Mentorship

They communicate with peers to convince them of and demonstrate the value of data science. They support the Data Communities across the business through training, mentorship, use of data, and delivery of guidance.

Problem Solving and Experimentation

They use cutting edge technologies in data science, and explore the role of data science in creating analytically ready data. They have working knowledge of cloud systems, coding, pipelines, and repeatable data cleaning.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Programming experience using a range of coding practices to build scalable data products for a range of users in Python and SQL.
• Understanding the variety data science techniques and how they can be most effectively applied to solve business problems, turning theory into practise. They are expected to remain current in their skillsets, and be aware of new trends in the wider data science industry.
• Influence stakeholders internally and externally to promote the MCA data strategy, and promote the adoption of data skills, techniques and tools within the Agency. They act as an ambassador and champion for data science, data exploration, and data skills, mentoring and leading the way for others to improve and interpret data across the MCA.
• Data Scientists are expected to work independently to deliver a wide range data science and visualisation projects that solve organisational problems and create valuable insights. Projects are delivered using Agile techniques, both independently and as part of a delivery team.
• They create compelling insights to share with stakeholders. The champion the art of presenting data and conclusions in the most appropriate format for users and bringing stakeholders on a journey.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

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