Data Scientist Advanced Analytics

Financial Conduct Authority; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regulatory body in Leeds is seeking a Data Scientist in Advanced Analytics to drive innovation through insightful data projects. This role offers a salary range from £52,400 to £71,200 and requires proficiency in data science techniques, machine learning, and strong communication skills. Candidates should have experience using Python or R for data analysis and visualization. The position supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements, making it a desirable opportunity in the financial sector.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work

Non-contributory pension

Private healthcare

35 hours paid volunteering annually

Flexible benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in applying data science and machine learning techniques to practical problems.
• Prior experience using Python or R to analyze, transform, and visualize data.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovation by delivering projects that provide insights from complex datasets.
• Guide technical delivery from requirements to implementation with stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members to enhance skills and ensure best practices.

Skills

Data science techniques

Machine learning

Python

R

Data visualization

SQL

Education

Degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science or related field

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

AWS

Job description

Job Title: Data Scientist – Advanced Analytics

Division: Data, Technology and Innovation

Department: Advanced Analytics & Data Science Units

• Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £52,400 to £71,200 and London from £57,700 to £78,300 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)

• This role is graded as: Senior Associate - Regulatory

• Your recruitment contact is Benjamin via [e-mail]. Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via social media or email will not be accepted.

About the FCA and team

We regulate financial services firms in the UK, to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you’ll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of UK finance services.

The Data, Technology and Innovation (DTI) division enables the FCA to be a digital-first, data-led smart regulator by delivering a secure, agile, and cost-effective technology and data ecosystem that drives better decisions, transparency, and operational efficiency.

Sitting within DTI, the Advanced Analytics & Data Science Units department develops the FCA's organisation-wide capability to drive an analytics-led regulatory approach.

Role responsibilities

• Drive innovation across the organisation by delivering projects that uncover meaningful insights from complex datasets, empowering smarter decision making, simplifying processes, and anticipating risks before they arise

• Guide technical delivery across the full project lifecycle from understanding requirements to successful implementation, working closely and collaboratively with stakeholders at every level to create solutions that truly make a difference

• Support and nurture talent by mentoring junior team members, helping them grow their technical confidence and problem-solving skills, while ensuring best practices in data science are consistently upheld

• Advocate for advanced analytics throughout the organisation, encouraging the adoption of cutting-edge techniques and fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture where data driven decisions thrive

• Shape the future of financial regulation through bold, experimental projects that protect millions of UK consumers and contribute to long term, sustainable economic growth

• Expand your expertise and influence by embracing emerging technologies, tackling diverse business challenges, and building strong connections through cross functional collaboration opportunities

Skills required

Minimum:

• Proven experience in applying data science and machine learning techniques and methods to practical business problems

• Prior experience using Python, R or similar, to analyse, transform and visualise data

• Degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science or related field

Essential:

• Exposure to technologies such as Generative AI and large language models; Natural Language Processing; Network Analytics; Predictive Modelling

• Experience in creating clear and engaging data visualisations using dashboarding tools (e.g. Tableau and Power BI)

• Knowledge SQL and relational databases

• Experience with cloud computing architecture (e.g. AWS and its services)

• Strong communication and collaboration skills to build positive relationships and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders

• Ability to apply data science techniques in the Financial Services industry

• Familiarity with financial regulation or other regulatory areas

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work

• Non-contributory pension (8–12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary

• Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection, and 24/7 Employee Assistance

• 35 hours of paid volunteering annually

• A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle

For a full list of our benefits, and our recruitment process as a whole visit our benefits page.

Our values & culture

Our colleagues are the key to our success as a regulator. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture: one that’s free from discrimination and bias, celebrates difference, and supports colleagues to deliver at their best. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better regulation.

If you require any adjustments due to a disability or condition, your recruiter is here to help - reach out for tailored support.

We welcome diverse working styles and aim to find flexible solutions that suit both the role and individual needs, including options like part-time and job sharing where applicable.

Disability Confident: our hiring approach

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and therefore, people or individuals with disabilities and long-term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process. In cases of high application volumes, we may progress applicants whose experience most closely matches the role’s key requirements.

Useful information and timeline

• Advert Closing: 20 January (please submit your application by 11:59pm on 19 January)

• CV Review/Shortlist: 21 January

• Interviews W/C: 26 January

• Your Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore, please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time.