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UK Health Security Agency

About

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will be responsible for planning, preventing and responding to external health threats, and providing intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, as well as on the global stage. UKHSA will ensure the nation can respond quickly and at greater scale to deal with pandemics and future threats.

Contact

Address: 10 South Colonnade; London; E14 4PU

Find out more

Jobs Website

Open

Ref: 919-JI-303558-EXT Vacancy ID: 7515136

Senior Data Scientist

Accepting applications until: 20-Nov-2025 23:59

Vacancy status: Open

Accepting applications until: 20-Nov-2025 23:59

Location

Gwefan: Core HQ's
Tref: Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London (Canary Wharf)
Cod post: E14 4PU
Major / Minor Region: London

Contract type & working pattern

Contract

Permanent

Oriau

Full time
Part time
Job share
Flexible working

37.5 hours per week

Salary

Cyflog: £41,983 - £52,113 Per Annum, Pro Rata
Cyfnod cyflog: Yearly
Gradd: (Civil Service: Senior Executive Officer (SEO))

Specialty

Prif leoliad: Analysis and Intelligence

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

UKHSA’s remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation’s expert national health security agency UKHSA will:

Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation’s readiness, defences and health security
Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.

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Current projects led by Data Scientists in the team include:

using large language models to identify discrepancies in guidance documents
evaluating large language models’ suitability for assisting with different tasks in public health
designing novel algorithms to process large scale anti-microbial resistance data
design and deploy novel public health focused applications
working with both our Economists and Health Economists to use data science and modelling techniques to assess the cost of different public health interventions

You will be expected to be a role-model for the technical and behavioural aspects of the team. In the latter aspect, team skills are important to this role as is demonstrating a forward-looking and investigative nature.

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

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, Python and/or R or other programming languages relevant to data science; whilst supporting development of coding capability across the team.
Expertise in wrangling, cleaning and pre-processing 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.

Desirable criteria

Background in statistical methods
Experience with Machine Learning frameworks or packages, eg. PyTorch
Experience with cloud deployment, eg. AWS, Azure, or OpenShift

Desirable criteria may be used if we receive a large number of credible applications.

Selection Process

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 an:

Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
750 word Statement of Suitability linked to the essential criteria in the form of Behaviour statements linked to each of the three behaviours below (please write a maximum of 250 words linked to each of the three behaviours)

Behaviours:

Working Together
Communicating and Influencing
Changing and Improving

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

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 some or all essential criteria will be taken through.

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, Python and/or R; 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 750 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 invited to remote 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 30 minutes.

The assessment is predominately designed to test your coding and mathematical skills, and the marking will align to the GDD data science framework.

If you pass this stage, you will proceed to the final interview stage. Feedback will be provided at this stage.

Stage 3: Interview (success profiles)

You will be invited to remote interview.

This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles and Technical skills/Ability. During the interview we will assess you against the below:

3 Behaviours and 2 Technical Behaviours from the DDAT data science profile will be tested at interview.   

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

Working Together
Changing and Improving
Communicating and Influencing

The Technical Behaviours from the DDAT data science profile will be:

Data Science Innovation
Delivering Business Impact

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 hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ’s. 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)

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).

Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location

Senior Executive Officer (SEO)

National £41,983 - £48,128
Outer £44,148 - £50,121
Inner £46,310 £52,113

Please note: If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.

The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.
Successful candidates must pass a standard disclosure and barring security check.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Link below:

Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers

This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.

For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary.

For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment.  You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy. 

Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment.

Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via  email:  [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here.

Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.

Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.

UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more.

If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

 Benefits of working at UKHSA include:

Generous annual leave:
-26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service
-28 days after 5 years of continuous service
-32 days after 10 years of continuous service
-Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday
Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package.

Hybrid Working

UKHSA operates 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 usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home.

Disability Confident Scheme

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview.   If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.

To help you during the recruitment process, we will take into account any reasonable adjustments that could help you.

An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.

This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.

If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:

Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police Check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Security Vetting

Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Person specification

Statement of Suitability - Application Stage

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Skills
Experience
Knowledge
Behaviours: Working Together, Communications and Influencing, Changing and Improving

Technical Assessment

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Coding & Mathematical Skills

Interview Stage

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Behaviours: Working Together, Changing and Improving, Communicating and Influencing
Technical Behaviours: Data Science Innovation, Delivering Business Impact