Principal Data Scientist

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, and environmental hazards, to keep all our communities safe, save lives and protect livelihoods. We provide scientific and operational leadership, working with local, national and international partners to protect the public’s health and build the nation’s health security capability. UKHSA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care. Job overview 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 You will work alongside other Data Scientists supporting data science and engineering products in the Health Protection Intelligence Systems and Data team. The HPISD Unit is responsible for a variety of Products and Services that support Health Protection Teams, Field Services, and others. We have four main areas of work: Health Protection Data, Health Protection Systems, Health Protection Intelligence, and the Cornerstone, as well as research enablement and translation for NIHR-funded Health Protection Research Units (HPRU), principally the HPRU on Pathogen Genomics and HPRU on Anti-microbial Resistance. Advert A principal data scientist is a leader of data science, quite often with responsibility for managing and developing teams. At this role level, you will: -have a broad knowledge of data science techniques, use cases and potential impact, as well as the tools and technologies -have extensive experience in scoping, designing and delivering data science outputs and products -work collaboratively with a range of experts in support of organisational objectives -communicate effectively and challenge delivery plans and priorities -appreciate and understand data ethics, data preparation and manipulation -appreciate and understand delivery methods, and how to deliver supported solutions at scale In this team, you will: -Maintain and develop data product tools using SQL, R, Python or other languages. Work with colleagues from across Genomics to produce innovative and reproducible data products. -Develop scalable, innovative approaches to extract, manage, and analyse genomic data. -Develop, manage and maintain databases and data pipelines involving ingress and egress of data from disparate systems Project work -Work with and, advise across Genomics to define the scope of projects and the technical tasks within projects Working for our organisation We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Detailed job description and main responsibilities PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT -You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements -Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events OTHER DUTIES 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. This list is not exhaustive. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA • Strong proficiency applying analytical and statistical techniques across real-world codebases; practitioner level in SQL and in Python and/or R with fluency in Git-based workflows (branching, code review) testing and reproducible environments. Support development of coding capability across the team. • Experience in wrangling, cleaning and pre-processing data in readiness for analysis, including working efficiently with large/complex datasets. Promotes best practice across the team. • Designs and deploys machine learning solutions appropriate to context, selecting sound validation strategies and critiquing model limitations. Embeds responsible practices and team wide standards. • Lead 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. • Construct and deliver compelling data stories using advanced data visualisation techniques, tailoring messages to business owners, senior leadership, and forums such as conferences. • Mentor data scientists in best practice including software best practice; writing functions, modular code, use of git-based version control systems and embedding peer review. Ensure confidentiality issues and statutory information governance requirements are followed robustly by self and team. • Well-developed problem-solving skills and user centred approach to developing solutions. 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. Negotiate confidently and advocate for the value of data science within wider organisational priorities. • Exercise independent judgement to set direction within remit, proactively escalating critical decisions with clear options, trade-offs and risk assessment while ensuring alignment with organisational goals. • Demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Fosters an inclusive psychologically safe team culture and addresses inequities. • 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) Desirable criteria • Utilise a range of data sources (clinical, epidemiological environmental and socio-economic data) to support efficient management of public health incident response, operations, and for research purposes including engaging with data owners, automating bespoke pipelines, and querying and linking data. • Experience of using bioinformatics software and packages • Experience of database management and data warehousing • Experience of producing analytical products (e.g., software packages, automated reports, dynamic visualisations/dashboards) for decision making. • Experience implementing testing code and code refactoring to reduce computational timing/required resources. • Experience of deploying machine learning models as part of service development