Women in Data®
Principal Data Scientist

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Are you someone who thrives on leading high-performing Data Science teams, shaping commercial strategy, and driving innovation through advanced analytics, machine learning and AI to tackle fraud and financial crime challenges?
A bit about the job:
This is a senior leadership role within Aviva's Data Science function, responsible for driving the strategic application of Data Science, Machine Learning and AI across Fraud and Financial Crime. Working with one of the richest insurance datasets in the industry, you'll lead a team of Data Scientists and Analytics specialists to develop and deploy innovative solutions that deliver measurable business and customer outcomes.
You'll partner with senior leaders across Financial Crime, Claims, Risk, Operations and Technology to identify opportunities, shape commercial strategies, and lead complex data science engagements from concept through to implementation. The role will also be accountable for introducing and embedding new analytical platforms, advanced modelling capabilities and machine learning solutions that strengthen fraud detection, transaction monitoring and case management across Aviva.
As a recognised leader within the organisation, you will help shape Aviva's long-term Data Science strategy, influence investment decisions and continue building our reputation as a centre of excellence within the Global Data Science Practice.
Skills and experience we're looking for:
- Significant experience leading and developing high-performing Data Science, Machine Learning or Advanced Analytics teams, including managing senior technical specialists.
- Proven track record delivering and imbedding data science projects across fraud and financial crime, using advanced statistical modelling, machine learning and AI techniques.
- Experience leading complex stakeholder engagements and influencing strategic decision-making at senior executive level, with strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
- Demonstrable experience introducing, scaling and embedding modern Data Science, Machine Learning, AI and analytical platforms within large, complex Enterprise organisations.
- Strong technical expertise across predictive modelling, machine learning, AI, statistical analysis and model governance, with the ability to translate technical solutions into measurable business value.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you’ll get for this role:
Our purpose - with you today, for a better tomorrow – is a promise we make to our colleagues too. And one of the ways we live up to that promise is by investing in you. We have so much to offer when it comes to being an Aviva colleague.
- Starting salary Circa £95k (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications)
- Bonus opportunity 12% – actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s
- Generous pension scheme e.g. if you put in 8%, Aviva adds 14% in.
- 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days
- Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it
- Make your money go further - Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts
- Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme
- Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave
- Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work
- Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others
- We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools


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Aviva is for everyone:
We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares.
We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.
To find out more about working at Aviva take a look here
We'd love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, or if you have any queries in relation to the vacancy, please give Chloe Nettley a call on 07795207964 or send an email to chloe.nettley@aviva.com
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