AddressGDS exists to help the government make brilliant public services that empower people in the UK. We work at the very centre of government to drive digital transformation, focused on users. We build and maintain common platforms, products and tools for others to use and create great public services that are accessible, inclusive and easy to use. We also work with departments to identify patterns, share learning and create change to make government more efficient.
GOV.UK is the best place to find government services and information. People visit GOV.UK to access services and information which affect families, homes, jobs and businesses. Its importance cannot be overstated.
The GOV.UK Artificial Intelligence team is multi-disciplinary, including Data Scientists, software developers, designers, analysts and user researchers that supports delivery of solutions underpinned by data and AI for the GOV.UK programme.
We innovate with machine learning, network science and natural language processing (NLP) to help users find what they need. We are at the forefront of Large Language Model (LLM) experimentation in government. We also help colleagues at GDS and across government to work with and improve GOV.UK content.
There are other teams within the programme that will also benefit from data science, advanced analytics and experimental design support that you may work with; depending on the needs of the programme.
Job description
GOV.UK is at the vanguard of reshaping the way public services are delivered using data and artificial intelligence. With a clear commitment to creating more personalised, streamlined, and integrated services, our strategy is anchored in transparency, as seen in our publicly available GDS strategy.
For a deep dive into our recent work and accomplishments, we invite you to explore the data in government blog and the Inside GOV.UK blog.
As a Data scientist:
- you’ll support the delivery of the GOV.UK AI team’s roadmap.
- you’ll guide teams through the intricate realms of Natural Language Processing and Understanding (NLP/NLU), machine learning, and experimental design.
- you'll identify efficient and effective ways to use advanced analytics, data science and automation to tackle business and organisational challenges.
- you’ll steer technical teams in data-driven projects. In tandem with delivery and product managers, delineate project scopes and use your time efficiently. Ensure that projects not only provide technical solutions but also deliver business value.
- you'll commit to nurturing the data science skills and awareness of colleagues across GOV.UK and government.
Person specification
While these requirements are important for the job, we do not expect candidates to be expert in all of them. Just give as much evidence as you can for each. If you are interested in applying but are not sure you have all the skills listed, please do so and give us the opportunity to consider you as a candidate.
We're interested in people who have:
- strong data foundations evidenced by expertise in relevant skills, including exploratory data analysis, advanced analytics, statistics, and experimental design/hypothesis testing
- can evidence knowledge in various data science topics, including experience or more detailed knowledge in at least one of the following areas: machine learning (supervised or unsupervised), NLP/NLU, working with web analytics data and applying this knowledge to “build a thing”
- experience in Python programming, a language supported by GDS. Proficient in rapid prototyping using Python and well-versed in developing scalable data products by producing production-grade code.
- some experience in data engineering and running code on the cloud; automation
- experience helping colleagues with their career development and coaching more junior staff members
Selection process details
The standard selection process for roles at GDS consists of:
- click on the application link to see what is required before drafting your CV, as this will give you detailed information as to how to write it, which could save you from redrafting it later.
- a simple application screening process - we only ask for a CV and for you to answer 3 application questions.
- successful applicants will be sent an email with a “homework” / technical exercise to be completed prior to interview. This will be a task that assesses your python coding skills and data science knowledge. This will take several hours to complete over an allotted time period.
- you will then attend a 60 minute interview where you will spend the first 10 minutes playing back your approach to the interview panel. The remainder of the time will be behaviour based questions.
