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Job summary
Our priorities
Optimise public R&D investment to support areas of relative UK strength and increase the level of private R&D to make our economy the most innovative in the world.
Promote a diverse research and innovation system that connects discovery to new companies, growth and jobs – including by delivering world-class physical and digital infrastructure (such as gigabit broadband), making the UK the best place to start and grow a technology business and developing and attracting top talent.
Put public services – including the NHS and schools – at the forefront of innovation, championing new ways of working and the development of in-house STEM capability to improve outcomes for people.
Strengthen international collaboration on science and technology in line with the Integrated Review, and ensure our researchers are able to continue to work with leading scientists in Europe and around the world.
Deliver legislative and regulatory reforms to drive competition and promote innovation, including the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill and our pro-innovation approach to regulating AI.
Our inclusive environment
We have an inclusive culture which makes the Department a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it helps us be more innovative.
We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. We are fortunate to have a range of staff networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive.
We welcome applications from anyone who shares our commitment to inclusion and fully support candidates with a disability or long-term condition who require adjustments in our recruitment process.
We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/departmentforsciencetechnologyandinnovation?
You can also follow our LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dsitcareers/
Please note that DSIT are currently reviewing our terms and conditions and pay arrangements following Machinery of Government changes and as part of the outstanding August 2023 pay award. Please be aware that there may be changes to the terms and conditions and pay ranges listed in this advert ahead of you starting in post. Any changes would be implemented in early 2024.
Job description
We are recruiting for two HEO analysts to join our multidisciplinary analysis team, which includes economists, operational researchers, evaluation specialists and statisticians. They will be based in the fixed or wireless coverage teams and will be reporting to the two Grade 7 Operational Researcher leads.
Role 1 (Fixed Broadband Analyst)
The candidate will develop modelling and datasets for delivering the government’s gigabit broadband ambitions. The datasets and modelling will form the basis for generating evidence to support fixed infrastructure policies. The postholder will also work closely with analytical colleagues in our delivery arm, Building Digital UK, on our £5 billion UK Gigabit Programme to deliver gigabit connectivity in the hardest to reach areas of the UK.
Role 2 (Wireless Analyst)
The candidate will contribute to model development and geospatial analysis in the wireless connectivity and infrastructure policy team. They will provide analysis to underpin effective policy development and business cases, for example to improve internet connectivity for very hard to reach homes. They will work closely with other analysts to maintain and improve our analytical platform and better integrate databases and modelling across wireless and fixed telecoms.
Person specification
- Analysing data to answer questions related to government’s policy priorities, typically by writing SQL queries.
- Building models with our data to provide answers to complex analytical problems e.g. forecasting future data or optimising systems, typically by writing programmes in R (or Python).
- Writing summaries on the results of the analysis and reports that identify new insights into challenges the government faces and presenting recommendations.
- Using the results of the analysis and working with other analysts to estimate the costs, benefits, and impact of potential government interventions.
- Creating interactive maps and data visualisations (such as dashboards) to help communicate the results of the analysis to non-analytical audiences.
- Working across teams within the department to build our evidence in everything from fostering new technology sectors, to operational delivery of existing solutions.
Skills and experience
- Analysis of data: Experience in exploring and manipulating large datasets in a coding environment for analysis and insight.
- Modelling: Experience with modelling techniques such as forecasting methods, optimisation, regression or other statistical techniques.
- Communicating and Influencing: Ability to present results of analysis to audiences in a confident and clear manner both orally and in written form.
- Delivering at pace: Ability to deliver analysis to tight deadlines focusing on what matters most to inform decisions.
Desirable skills
- Experience of geo-spatial analysis such as using QGIS/Leaflet
- Experience and ability to use R/Python and SQL for data analysis
- Experience in a cloud computing environment and cloud tools e.g. GCP, Azure or AWS
Additionally, you must either be a full member of one of the following Government analytical professions: Government Social Research Service (GSR), Government Statistical Group (GSG) or Government Operational Research Service (GORS).
Or
be able to demonstrate that a) you satisfy the eligibility criteria (detailed below) and b) have the competence, at the required grade (HEO), for one of the analytical professions, and be willing to undertake the specific tests and assessments for these professions as part of the interview process.
Eligibility requirements
GORS:
- A 2:1 in a highly numerate degree
- Or a 2:2 with a highly numerate postgraduate qualification or relevant work experience)
Find out more at: http://www.operational-research.gov.uk/recruitment/requirements/
GSG (requires online tests):
- a first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate subject (2:1 minimum for Assistant Statistician and 2:2 minimum for Statistical Officer) containing at least 25% taught statistical content (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)
- a higher degree, e.g. a MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)
- have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least 2 years in a statistical/data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics/data analysis.
- have worked in a statistical or data science field for a minimum of two years and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development (via a logbook) in applying statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (level five), which demonstrates the expected skills as outlined in the GSG Competency framework.
Find out more at https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/careers/joining-us/
GSR (requires online tests):
- For qualification route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one-third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
- For professional experience route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2 or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at extensive social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team.
Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-government-social-research-profession-membership/government-social-research-membership-and-eligibility-guidance.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Please describe a time you have used data and modelling techniques to solve an analytical problem? Please also specify the profession you want to be badged for (GORS/GSG/GSR) in your response.
Benefits
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a competitive mix of benefits including:
- A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
- Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an average employer contribution of 27%.
- A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
- An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
- Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
Office attendance
The Department operates a discretionary Hybrid Working policy, which enables a combination of working hours from your place of work and from your home in the UK. The current expectation for staff is to attend the office or non-home-based location for 40-60% of the time.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, a behavioural statement and a technical skills example.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Applications will be sifted on the behavioural statement, CV and any technical skills required.
In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the lead technical skill GORS - Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques; GSG - Data Analysis; GSR - analysis and interpretation
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
The interview will consist of behaviour and technical questions.
Interviewees will be asked to deliver a presentation; further details will be provided nearer the time.
Sift and interview dates
Expected timeline, subject to change -
Sift dates: 05/02/2024
Interview dates: w/c 12/02/2024
Interview Location: MS Teams
Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.
Further information
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter
Reasonable Adjustment
We are proud to be a disability confident leader and we welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions.
We fully support adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.
We do not have an exhaustive list of adjustments that we support but just some examples include additional time to complete your application form, behaviour questions up to 72 hours prior to interview and having extra time at interview.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
A location-based reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.
Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
Any move to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology 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 https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
DSIT does not normally offer full home working (i.e. working at home); but we do offer a variety of flexible working options (including occasionally working from home).
DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign.
DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
Nationality requirements
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
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
