7957 - Principle Data Scientist

Ministry of Justice; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to lead a team in delivering cutting-edge data science products across the justice system. This role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams and using advanced techniques like machine learning. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills and expertise in Python, R, and SQL. Join us in improving justice outcomes through data-driven initiatives for a more efficient justice system.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading data science teams and projects.
• Strong knowledge of data science techniques and tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of data scientists to deliver projects.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance data usage.
• Work on innovative data science techniques for justice outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Python

R

SQL

Machine Learning

Data Visualization

Education

Degree in Data Science or related field

Tools

AWS

Job description

Principle Data Scientist

Location: National*

Closing Date: 4th August 2025

Interviews: w/c 1st September 2025

Grade: Grade 7
(MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain this grade on lateral transfer)

Salary:
£56532 - £73450 National (which may include an allowance of up to £16918)
£61201 - £78225 London (which may include an allowance of up to £17024)

Working pattern: full-time, part-time, flexible working,

Contract Type: Permanent

*We offer a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between remote work and time spent in your local office. Office locations can be found ON THIS MAP

The Role
We’re recruiting for a Principle Data Scientist here at the Ministry of Justice, to be part of our warm and collaborative Data Science and AI Hub.

This role aligns against Principle Data Scientist from the Government Digital and Data Framework

The Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice is a major government department, at the heart of the justice system. We work to protect and advance the principles of justice. Our vision is to deliver a world-class justice system that works for everyone in society. We are passionate about improving justice outcomes through innovative research, data and analysis.

The Data Science & AI Hub

We are a multi-disciplinary team of around 70 staff that sits at the heart of the Ministry of Justice providing data science support across a diverse and exciting agenda. We work in a dynamic and fast-paced context and our skills are in heavy demand across the Ministry of Justice. Our collaborations beyond government are seen as ground-breaking.

We create a culture in which people are empowered with the data and information to make excellent decisions using cutting edge tools, techniques and collaboration and putting evidence at the heart of the justice system.

We have a track record of delivering digital services to front line staff using wide ranging data science techniques, including the award-winning safety diagnostic tool, which helps our staff tackle violence in prisons. We regularly deliver insights that directly influences corporate, operational and policy decisions. Our projects span the data science spectrum including machine learning, natural language processing, automation, advanced visualisation and optimisation.

What you’ll do

You will be leading a team of 1-2 data scientists, working within wider multidisciplinary teams, to deliver data science products and analysis. The majority of projects will be conducted using Python, R and SQL on our AWS cloud infrastructure (known as the Analytical Platform) to work with data from across the justice system. You will work closely with other data scientists, the Data Engineering Hub (which builds the tools, services and pipelines that make data available on the Analytical Platform) as well as other data, digital, policy and operational colleagues.

The role


The postholder will lead a team within the Courts, ALBs, Corporate, and Linking Data Science unit.
They will be responsible for undertaking a variety of data science projects across the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). This role involves collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including other data scientists, data engineers, and digital colleagues.
Projects vary in nature and scope, encompassing both leading data-driven initiatives and being embedded within digital teams. Recent examples include developing search and summary tools for legislation, creating a redaction tool to support Subject Access Request (SAR) processes, and utilising machine learning and data linking to gain insights into criminal fine enforcement.
As the Principal Data Scientist on the team, you will work with new data sources and apply advanced data science techniques to support the department's ambitious goals. Your expertise will be crucial in harnessing the latest advancements in data science to drive innovation and improve outcomes across the MoJ.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead a team of 1-2 data scientists to deliver data science products and analysis across the criminal justice system
Act as a technical specialist and coach, developing team capability, supervising other data scientists, setting coding standards for the team and championing the adoption of best practice in data science
Understand a broad range of architectures and collaborate with data engineering to design and deliver organisational products effectively
Effectively communicate with and influence senior stakeholders, working with them to remove blockers so that the team can deliver efficiently
Play an active role in making the Data Science Hub an inclusive and vibrant place to work.

If this feels like an exciting challenge, something you are enthusiastic about, and want to join our team please read on and apply!