Data Science Senior Analyst - Strategic Insight Unit

Metropolitan Police; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Police is seeking a Senior Analyst for its Strategic Insight Unit. This role involves delivering empirical insights through data analytics and research methodologies, supporting decision-making processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong quantitative background, proficiency in R or Python, and experience in project management. Apply by submitting a CV and Personal Statement by June 5, 2025.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of relevant post-qualification work experience.
• In-depth understanding of quantitative research methods.

Responsibilities

• Support the Principal Criminologist and Head of the SIU.
• Manage projects from inception to final outputs.

Skills

Quantitative Analysis

Data Wrangling

R

Python

SQL

Education

Degree-level qualification

Master's in a quantitative subject

Job description

The Metropolitan Police
Data Science Senior Analyst - Strategic Insight Unit

Salary: The starting salary is £47,060, which includes allowances totaling £2,928.

The salary is broken down as £44,132 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £52,652. Plus, a location allowance of £1,928 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

Location: Westminster

It’s the Met’s job to keep Londoners safe. That isn’t just down to front-line policing. We need specialists like you to improve what we do and how we do it. Our Strategic Insight Unit (SIU) combines advanced data analytics, behavioural science, and social research skills with expertise in operational policing to deliver valuable empirical insight to the Met.

Join us, and you’ll make a big difference to our decision making.

The Team

The Metropolitan Police Service is looking for a Senior Analyst to join its Strategic Insight Unit (SIU). The SIU delivers empirical insights in support of evidence-based policing via three main routes:

1. We Explain – we use behavioural science, data analytics, operational insight, and social research to understand what's happening, how, and why.
2. We Innovate – we bring fresh thinking and new ideas into the Met to challenge the status quo and change MPS policies and practice.
3. We Test – we work with operational MPS units and external experts to co-design and deliver scientifically robust trials and evaluations.

The Role

As a Senior Analyst in the SIU, you will support the Met’s Principal Criminologist, Head of the SIU, and your analytics team to deliver research projects. You will do this by constructing analysis-compatible datasets and employing various research methodologies to produce high-quality, robust analysis that informs MPS decision-making and practices. You will be able to translate the results of your analysis into meaningful insights that help front-line officers and senior leaders make strategic decisions on how to deal with the complex challenges facing the MPS. You will be responsible for managing projects from inception to the production of final outputs, which will involve managing resources and the sometimes conflicting demands of stakeholders. Additionally, you will support and manage junior analysts.

How to apply

To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply now" button. The application process requires a comprehensive CV, a Personal Statement, and an online application form. In your Personal Statement, explain your interest in the position and illustrate how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate. Please ensure your documents are saved in PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and/or Personal Statement, and do not submit multiple copies.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 5^th June 2025.

Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, followed by review by the hiring manager. The review process will commence 1 to 2 weeks after the closing date. Successful candidates will be invited to interview, with interview dates starting 2 weeks after the hiring manager review.

Essential For The Role

• You will hold a minimum of a degree-level qualification, preferably a master's, in a quantitative subject or relevant field with a substantial component of quantitative analysis (e.g., Statistics, Natural Sciences, or Economics).
• You will have a minimum of 2 years of relevant post-qualification work experience or relevant academic experience (e.g., PhD).
• You will have an in-depth understanding of quantitative research methods and approaches, with evidence of their implementation in a professional context.
• You will be comfortable helping senior leaders translate operational needs into clear research questions with appropriate analytical strategies, outlining methodologies and data requirements.
• You will be highly proficient in R or Python and competent in SQL, possessing advanced data wrangling skills and the ability to construct analysis-compatible datasets easily. You should also have experience building research models and applying data science techniques in R or Python.
• You will be able to translate your analysis results into meaningful insights for both technical and non-technical audiences, producing high-quality reports and presentations with minimal oversight.
• Evaluation expertise, such as experience with randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental design methods, is desirable.