Principal Data Scientist

Details Reference number 431829 Salary £57,670 - £67,500 London: £60,670 - £67,500 / National: £57,670 - £64,500 If the successful candidate is a current Civil Servant joining on level transfer, HM Treasury will honour their current substantive salary if higher. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP Job grade Grade 7 Contract type Fixed term Loan Length of employment 11 Months Business area HMT - Economics Type of role Analytical Architecture and Data Digital Working pattern Flexible working, Full-time, Part-time Number of jobs available 1 Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location This post can be based in London (1 Horse Guards Road) or Darlington (Feethams House). About the job Job summary If you’re interested in making a difference to people’s lives, the Treasury can offer you an exciting opportunity to influence decision making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across government to promote responsible public spending and drive strong and sustainable economic growth. Our work ranges from protecting customers through the regulation of the financial sector, helping to reduce carbon emissions and creating a greener economy, to promoting British trade around the world and supporting people across the country on jobs, growth and more. We are part of the Darlington Economic Campus, a pioneering new cross-government hub which brings people together to play an active role in the most important issues of the day whilst working closer to the communities we serve. The campus provides the opportunity for people from all over the UK to help shape the future of the country, and our flexible working practices ensure you can collaborate effectively with our partners. It’s central government, made more accessible to you! Job description About the Group The Economics Group leads HM Treasury’s analysis of developments in the UK economy and advises ministers on the implications for the Government’s economic strategy. It provides expert economic analysis and advice for Ministers. The Group’s data hub is transforming how the Treasury uses data across its entire business. The Group collaborates with external experts on the UK economy, including the Bank of England, Office for Budget Responsibility and leading academics. Economics Group provides support for the UK Government’s economics and social research professions, including running centralised recruitment and the annual conferences. About the Team The Data Hub is a centre of excellence for advanced analytics and data management in HM Treasury. Working closely with partners inside and outside of government, the Hub is responsible for the implementation of the Treasury’s data strategy, developing the organisation’s data capability and driving data-led transformation across the department. The Hub also provides strategic coordination and support to teams across the department, bringing data tools and technologies to bear on new and existing data sources. It applies innovative methods to enable rich analysis and support HMT’s departmental objectives, delivering new insights and improving decision-making. To do this, the Hub is organised into two functions: Advanced Analytics –a flexible pool of data scientists who are responsible for leading the development of the department’s AI capabilities, and can identify, initiate, and support high-value data science projects across the department. Data Management – leads the department in developing its data management architecture, engineering, and data literacy. This includes developing systematic and structural approaches using data science techniques and ensuring that officials at all levels have access to data-related learning and development opportunities. About the Role: As Principal Data Scientist, you will work within the Advanced Analytics team, ensuring high-quality data insights are at the core of HM Treasury’s decision making. Through the application of data science techniques, you will create analysis and data products that will enhance insights and improve efficiency. These products will utilise the wide range of data available at HM Treasury, including budget measures data, economic monitoring data and financial markets data. You will work closely with policy officials, economists and other colleagues across HM Treasury to embed data science into processes, as well as working with data scientists, data engineers and data leads in the Data Hub to implement the Treasury’s data strategy. Key responsibilities include: Apply data science techniques, including statistical, machine learning, and/or AI modelling, to enhance analysis and improve operational efficiency. Lead development and maintenance of analytical products in our preferred tech stack (Python, Plotly Dash & Azure). You will ensure that the products solve user needs and improve them continuously by introducing innovative data science concepts. Build innovative and user-friendly data dashboards to communicate valuable insights to different decision makers, using all available data at HMT. Apply novel data sets from various sources within HMT, government, and beyond to improve decision-making. This will require establishing relationships and building data pipelines using the Microsoft Fabric platform. Taking a collaborative approach utilising good communication skills: building strong relationships with data product users to understand their needs, presenting plans and outcomes to seniors and working closely with different technical roles in the team. You will provide overall technical leadership and development opportunities across HMT in data science and contribute to the growth of the Data Hub through sharing work & knowledge as well as contributing ideas to the processes of the team. Line management of one or more data scientists in the team; providing support and coaching enabling them to develop and deliver Data Science projects that achieve the team’s role. Candidate Drop-In Session We will be running two candidate drop-in sessions for this role to give you greater insight about the role as well as the chance to learn more about HM Treasury and the recruitment process. If you would like to join us, then use the appropriate link below to join the call at the right time. Mon 20/10/2025 17:00 - 17:30: Teams Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting\_YmUzNTRiNzEtYzYxYy00YzRmLTkyYjMtYjUwNzRkODFlMDA4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22ed1644c5-05e0-49e6-bc39-fcf7ac51c18c%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229e1cc082-ce44-4f8a-8bed-c9415b4d4f94%22%7d Teams Meeting ID: 318 164 556 763 8 Teams Passcode: EQ9is7Be Weds 22/10/2025 13:00 – 13:30 Teams Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting\_YTZlYjgwYjktMjBhZC00M2YxLTgxYTMtM2Y4NTBjMWY3ZTQz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22ed1644c5-05e0-49e6-bc39-fcf7ac51c18c%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229e1cc082-ce44-4f8a-8bed-c9415b4d4f94%22%7d Teams Meeting ID: 393 570 404 082 7 Passcode: iq3PN7NL Person specification We are looking for the below skills, experience and behaviours and we will ask you to demonstrate these in your application form. Please review the Candidate FAQ document that is attached to the advert for guidance on how to complete your application form. Experience of developing and embedding data science solutions that have an impact in supporting organisations achieve their goals, including applying statistical methodologies and/or producing engaging data dashboards. Managing a Quality Service: Deliver objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs Changing and improving: identify and consider ways to improve service delivery and consider the full impact of implementing changes on the processes, behaviours and morale of diverse end users. Working together: Ability to identify, tailor and prioritize diverse user needs, collaborate and respond to changing stakeholder needs, and work effectively in a team, using diverse management techniques such as matrix management, mentoring, and Agile. The lead criteria is: Experience If we receive large volumes of applications, we will conduct an initial sift on the lead criteria only. 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. Candidate Guidance Support Session We will be running an overview of Success Profiles and the STAR approach; top tips for the application and interview process and an opportunity to ask general questions around our recruitment practices. If you would like to join us, then use the link below to join the call at the right time. Friday 17th October 2025 12:30-13:15 Join the meeting now Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Managing a Quality Service Changing and Improving Working Together Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices Programming and build (data science) Benefits Alongside your salary of £57,670, HM Treasury contributes £16,706 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King's birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant) Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours) Generous parental and adoption leave package. A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 28% Onsite restaurant and coffee bar. The London office also offers a gym, showers and prayer room Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving Access to a retail discounts and cashback site A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes A range of active staff networks, based around interests and diversity Flexible Working Arrangements HM Treasury views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they can 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; part-time, compressed hours and job sharing. Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees the flexibility to adjust their working patterns throughout the week which is subject to operational needs and line management approval. At HM Treasury we have an incredibly broad remit; our work touches every citizen of the country. So, it’s important our employees come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible range of perspectives and ways of thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all staff can realise their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. HM Treasury operates an office based working approach across all Treasury sites - Darlington, London, and Norwich, and along with the rest of the Civil Service, has an expectation of a minimum of 60% attendance in the office, along with working remotely. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders face to face, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. All our offices have been recently modernised and designed to collaborate and connect with colleagues as well as desk and quiet space to allow a range of ways to work. The office working expectation is linked to the location of the role. If you apply to a post in a single location, then you will not be able to meet this expectation at any of our other sites or move your role to another location. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. Recruitment Timeline Closing date: 26th October Shortlisting: w/c 27th October Interviews: w/c 3rd November This timeline is indicative and may be subject to change. We will inform you if there is a substantial change to the recruitment timeline. If your contact details change at any time during the selection process, please ensure you update your Civil Service Jobs Profile. Please note that only applications submitted through Civil Service Jobs will be accepted. Reserve Lists You will be placed on a reserve list if your application is successful, but we cannot offer you a post immediately. Where more than one location has been advertised, candidates will be approached for roles in merit order according to the first preferred location stated on your application form. Please note that a place on the reserve list does not guarantee an offer. We would still encourage you to apply for other HM Treasury opportunities that you are interested in. If you are offered a role in your first preferred location and you decline the offer or you are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe, you will be removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances. Those on the reserve list may also be approached for similar roles at a lower grade. If you are offered a role at a lower grade and choose to decline, you can remain on the reserve list. Eligibility Statement A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role in the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Checks will be performed as part of pre-employment checks in line with this. Please refer to the Candidate FAQ document attached to the advert for more information. Everyone working with government assets must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks. Additionally, individuals appointed to the Treasury group will be subject to National Security Vetting. The level of security vetting required for this role is Security Check To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, applicants will need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 out of the past 5 years. In exceptional circumstances, for example if you have been working abroad on a government posting, a lack of residency would not be a bar to security clearance however the Department will need to consider eligibility on a case-by-case basis once the advert closing date has passed. Please read the Vetting Charter for information on what to expect during the vetting process and what will be expected from you. Many areas of your life may be explored during your vetting journey, and it is important that every individual, regardless of their background and experiences, should feel comfortable going through this personal process, whilst having confidence that it is fair, proportionate, and inclusive. These short videos address common concerns and preconceptions which applicants may have about national security vetting. If you have questions relating to security clearances, please contact HMTSecurityVetting@hmtreasury.gov.uk Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check . See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. 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) 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 Further information on nationality requirements Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code 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 . The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy . Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Laurie McClymont Email : laurie.mcclymont@hmtreasury.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk Further information Complaints Process: Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment based on fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact HMT by email at: hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.