Data Scientist

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

LGPS Pension scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Data Scientist to support evidence tracking across transformation projects. You will analyze operational, financial and outcome data to establish baselines and track benefits, applying statistical methods to attribute changes to the intervention.

You will work with transformation, service and finance teams to define metrics, develop forecasting models and create repeatable reporting that informs timely decision-making.

Qualifications

• Experience analysing complex datasets and applying statistical methods to evaluate change and impact.
• Experience of forecasting, scenario modelling or other approaches used to estimate and track benefits.
• An understanding of benefits realisation, evaluation methods and the challenges of attributing outcomes to a specific intervention.

Responsibilities

• Analyse operational, financial and outcome data to establish baselines and track evidence of change across transformation projects.
• Apply statistical methods to test whether observed changes are meaningful and isolate project benefits from wider environmental factors.
• Develop forecasting, scenario and counterfactual models to estimate expected benefits and understand what may have happened without the intervention.
• Work closely with transformation, service and finance colleagues to define benefit measures, assumptions and appropriate methods of attribution.
• Create clear, repeatable reporting and analytical products that show progress against expected benefits and support timely decision-making.
• Communicate findings, uncertainty and limitations clearly, championing ethical, transparent and trusted use of evidence.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistical methods

Forecasting

Communication of findings

Python

SQL

Cloud data platforms

Education

Data Science degree

Statistics degree

Mathematics degree

Economics degree

Computer Science degree

Tools

Cloud platforms

Reporting tools

Job description

Put your data science role in front of the right audience — Post your job

Data Scientist

Organisation Somerset Council

Locations

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 41 days remaining

As a Data Scientist, you'll support evidence tracking across transformation projects, helping the council understand what is changing, whether expected benefits are being realised and how confidently those benefits can be attributed to the work. Using data analysis, statistical techniques and forecasting, you'll establish baselines, monitor outcomes and distinguish the impact of transformation from wider environmental factors.
How You'll Make a Difference

• Analyse operational, financial and outcome data to establish baselines and track evidence of change across transformation projects.
• Apply statistical methods to test whether observed changes are meaningful and isolate project benefits from wider environmental factors.
• Develop forecasting, scenario and counterfactual models to estimate expected benefits and understand what may have happened without the intervention.
• Work closely with transformation, service and finance colleagues to define benefit measures, assumptions and appropriate methods of attribution.
• Create clear, repeatable reporting and analytical products that show progress against expected benefits and support timely decision-making.
• Communicate findings, uncertainty and limitations clearly, championing ethical, transparent and trusted use of evidence.

What You'll Bring

• Experience analysing complex datasets and applying statistical methods to evaluate change and impact.
• Experience of forecasting, scenario modelling or other approaches used to estimate and track benefits.
• An understanding of benefits realisation, evaluation methods and the challenges of attributing outcomes to a specific intervention.
• Strong technical skills in tools such as Python, SQL and cloud-based data platforms.
• Ability to translate analytical findings, assumptions and uncertainty clearly for non-technical audiences.
• A degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Why Join Us?
At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.