Associate Data Scientist

Government Recruitment Service; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking an Associate Data Scientist to join a high-impact data science team focused on enhancing operational effectiveness through innovative data solutions. The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical skills, familiarity with machine learning, and the ability to communicate data insights effectively. This role offers a chance to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to significant maritime safety initiatives in the UK. Join us to make a real difference by transforming data into actionable insights.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 28.97%

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Ability to investigate and analyze diverse datasets.
• Familiarity with statistical methods and scientific techniques.
• Experience in developing machine learning models and AI-driven tools.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and analyse diverse datasets to uncover insights.
• Support the development of machine learning models and AI-driven tools.
• Work with cloud-based tools and scalable infrastructure.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of iterative data products.
• Create clear, engaging visual outputs that help stakeholders.
• Apply principles of fairness and accountability in data science work.
• Stay current with emerging tools and techniques.
• Help identify opportunities where data science can add value.
• Maintain clear, well-structured documentation.

Skills

Data exploration and analysis

Machine Learning and AI

Data engineering

Data visualization

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Databricks

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to join a high-impact data science team shaping the future of maritime and coastal safety? Can you turn complex data into powerful solutions that drive strategic decisions? Can you confidently engage with cutting edge technology to drive better data science led outcomes? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Join the Data and Analytics team at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), where we are transforming how data is used to save lives and ensure safer, more sustainable seas. Our team is at the forefront of data innovation, supporting critical and strategic decision-making across the organisation.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) implements the government’s maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea.

Safer lives. Safer Ships. Cleaner Seas.

Benefits

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Role

As an Associate Data Scientist, you will join a team delivering impactful data science solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and unlock value across the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). You will work within a multidisciplinary team to explore, test, and deliver innovative approaches using the MCA tech stack. This role is ideal for individuals who are curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning and responsible data use.

Responsibilities

• Data Exploration and Analysis: Investigate and analyse diverse datasets to uncover insights, trends, and opportunities for improvement. Apply statistical methods and scientific techniques to extract insights from structured and unstructured data.
• Machine Learning and AI Delivery: Support the development and deployment of machine learning models and AI-driven tools that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Data Engineering and Pipelines: Work with cloud-based tools and scalable infrastructure, including Databricks, to support collaborative data science workflows. Understand continuous integration and deployment pipelines, including automated testing and code validation.
• Agile Data Product Development: Contribute to the design and delivery of data products that are iterative, responsive to user needs, and built with scalability and sustainability in mind.
• Visualisation and Communication: Create clear, engaging visual outputs and narratives that help stakeholders understand and act on data insights.
• Ethical and Responsible Practice: Apply principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of data science work.
• Learning and Adaptability: Stay current with emerging tools and techniques and actively seek opportunities to apply them in new and evolving contexts.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Help identify opportunities where data science can add value, and support conversations that translate business challenges into analytical solutions.
• Documentation and Reproducibility: Maintain clear, well-structured documentation to ensure transparency, reproducibility, and knowledge sharing.

Additional Information

As an Associate Data Scientist, you’ll play a vital role in uncovering insights from complex datasets and supporting the development of innovative data science solutions. Your day-to-day work will involve exploring data, applying statistical and machine learning techniques, and creating clear visualisations to communicate findings. Collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to strategic data use are at the heart of this role.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile which is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.