Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Senior Data Scientist
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Senior Data Scientist
Senior Data Scientist (DASH Team) Location: Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York
Job Summary
The Data Science and Analytics Hub (DASH) operates within Defra’s Central Analysis and Insights Directorate (CAID), driving data-driven decision-making across the organisation. Part of a partnership between CAID and Digital, Data Technology and Services (DDTS), DASH delivers scalable, adaptable, and user-focused data science solutions to improve environmental outcomes.
The Data Science and AI (DDSAI) Team accelerates data literacy, supports training uptake, and mentors Defra teams in AI, machine learning, geospatial analysis, and generative AI (GenAI), ensuring technology evolves aligned with user needs.
As a Senior Data Scientist within this team (50% training/50% technical support), you’ll:
- Lead DASH’s training programme, designing sessions on PyML, distributed computing, geospatial analysis, and GenAI while tracking insights to improve engagement.
- Provide expert technical guidance to Defra teams, bridging the gap between ML, cloud computing (Azure/Databricks), and AI.
- Develop reusable workflows for cloud-based data science projects.
- Mentor junior colleagues and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
About the Role
Working alongside the DDSAI team, you’ll:
- Design, deliver, and expand training initiatives (currently reaching 200+ monthly attendees).
- Foster data science & AI literacy across Defra, aligning technical expertise with analytical needs.
- Collaborate to Continuously improve DASH’s platform, tools, and user support.
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Key Responsibilities
§ DASH Training Offer
- Lead the design, delivery, and enhancement of technical training programmes.
- Collaborate with Comms & Capability leads to maximize uptake through research-backed content.
- Coach session leads, ensuring quality assurance of documentation and resources.
- (Re)forecast and amplify training demand through collaboration with policymakers and data teams.
§ Data Science & AI Support
- Offer expert guidance on Py/R pipelines, Azure governance, and AI applications (e.g., ML, GenAI, geospatial).
- Apply best practice in project management (e.g., agile frameworks) to shape team processes (e.g., in Jira).
- Source expertise to Increase output quality (e.g., parallelised tasks via Azure DataBricks).
§ Expertise Leadership
- Stay at the forefront of reproducible data science, cloud computing, and AI advancements.
- Contribute actionable templates for (GenAI, geospatial) troubleshooting.
- Drive adoption of advance industry trends (e.g., Deep Learning).
§ Cloud Computing & Workstream Leadership
- Optimize cloud efficiency; recommend cost-equot strategies in Azure/Databricks.
- Share leadership insights to support autonomous project decision-making.
Person Specification
A strong Senior Data Scientist candidate will have:
Technical Skills
- Python & R proficiency (prairkable experience with reproducible workflows & GitHub).
- Hands-on experience in scalable AI/ML (e.g., GenAI pipelines, distributed computing).
- Familiarity with data visualisation tools (RShiny, Plotly, Tableau) or web frameworks (Stremlit).
- Cloud platforms: Deep expertise in Azure Databricks (with cost management instincts).
- Proven ability to solve real-world challenges (e.g., geospatial, grieprate GenAI processing).
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Experience
- Evidence of teaching/coaching analysts or scientists (training led by metrics).
- Policy & working with data engineers/scientists on definimeter needs.
- Experience in defense or environmental context (Marcom tailored).
Behaviours
- Deliver at pace, balancing improvement in service quality.
- Adapt innovation for team-driven solutions.
Benefits & Perks
Join a pioneering civil service team with:
- Support & Development (personalised learning each year, civil service mentor.)
- Flexible working + following laptop/phone/rulersock setup.
- 25+ days leave/year (30 after 5 years) + 8 public holidays.
- Bike Program (tax-free loan).
- Cycle-to-Work scheme (choice+email rucksack.)
Selection Process
- CV + Personal Statement: Submit evidence for lead behaviour and training narrative.
- Numertical Test (civil service standardised).
- Interview: Technical presentation on five elements.
- Finalistic: Max. 60 minutes, face-to-face or video-wise.
Note: Defra does not hold UK Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Location will bear predetermined preference.
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