Senior Data Scientist

Are you ready to use data science to influence and inspire improvements at huge scale?

As a Senior Data Scientist, you'll join the Data Science Team within DWP's Working Age Services (WAS) - the area responsible for the digital services behind Universal Credit and other key benefits. You'll work with some of the largest datasets in the UK, helping to transform how citizens manage their accounts online, how legacy benefits move to a multi‑benefit platform and how our colleagues deliver services more efficiently.

This is a leadership role where your expertise will help shape product development, guide technical direction and ensure that data science is used in the right way, at the right time, for maximum public value. You'll champion best practice, influence strategic decisions and bring clarity to complex environments where data and requirements are often imperfect.

The scale of what we do is extraordinary, and our purpose is unique. We'd love you to join us

What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?

• You have deep experience building data transformation products, using code to turn raw data into something accurate, useful and repeatable.
• You write clean, efficient and well‑documented code that follows a specification and can be maintained by others.
• You're confident using R or Python, SQL and PySpark to process, analyse and transform data at scale.
• You know how to create automated data pipelines and reusable workflows that handle both structured and unstructured data.

A degree or higher in STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) is essential for this role, and evidence of qualification will be requested.

You and your role

As our Senior Data Scientist, you'll play a central role in shaping how Working Age Services uses data to improve digital products used by millions of citizens.

You'll work closely with product teams, engineers, analysts and designers to make sure every feature - from small improvements to major redesigns - is backed by robust insight.

You'll help set direction for data science within your portfolio, including supporting colleagues you don't directly line manage, and ensuring the best use of skills across teams.

That means advising when Data Science is the right approach - and when it isn't. You'll bring clarity to messy problem spaces, especially where data quality or requirements aren't as clear as they need to be.

Your work could include anything from helping discover new features, designing experiments and success measures, evaluating changes, improving data reliability, or developing models that support service improvements. You'll use your leadership to influence decisions, prioritise workloads, and keep teams focused on high‑value opportunities.

This is a role we think is perfect for someone who thrives in imperfect real‑world data environments, enjoys cutting through complexity, and knows how to communicate the value of Data Science to a wide range of digital and non‑technical stakeholders. You'll help build a culture where data professionals of all types are understood, valued and used effectively.

Your impact will be felt across DWP and across society: improving services for claimants, supporting colleagues, and helping shape the future of digital welfare services in the UK.

Details. Wages. Perks.

Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.

Pay: We offer competitive pay of up to ££57,946 to £68,205 plus a Digital Allowance of up to £7,288 per annum subject to our assessment of your capability at interview

Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%.

Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time.

Process

We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:

Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.

Interview: a single stage interview online.

Click APPLY for more information and to start your application.