Lead Data Scientist

Ofqual; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regulatory body for educational qualifications is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to enhance their data science capabilities. This role involves extracting insights from unstructured data using machine learning and natural language processing. Strong analytical skills, project management, and effective communication are essential. You will work independently while collaborating with various teams to support evidence-based decision-making in education.

Qualifications

• Expert analytical ability in data science and data manipulation skills.
• Theoretical knowledge and practical experience applying a range of innovative techniques using Python and R.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable managing projects and collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to mentor others.

Responsibilities

• Build capacity to extract insights from unstructured data.
• Evaluate educational assessments and support regulatory decision-making.
• Contribute to interactive visualisations and published statistics.
• Manage projects and prioritise multiple strands of work.
• Communicate clearly to foster learning and impact.

Skills

Data science expertise

Machine learning

Natural language processing

Python

R

Project management

Strong communication

Job description

Overview

Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England. We regulate 200+ awarding organisations and approx. 11,600 certified qualifications. These include GCSEs, AS and A levels, and a broad range of vocational and technical qualifications.

For more information about what we do please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual

About the team

We are looking to recruit a Lead Data Scientist to join our Data Analytics and Research team. The team works with a vision to consolidate and grow our statistics and data science capabilities.

Responsibilities

• As a Lead Data Scientist, you will have responsibility for building our capacity to extract insights from unstructured data, for example by applying techniques from natural language processing, machine learning and AI. You will also work on a range of other, structured-data based projects.
• Research, analysis and data are at the heart of Ofqual’s approach to intelligent, evidence-based regulation. The team evaluates educational assessments and qualifications and supports regulatory decision-making through innovative research and business intelligence.
• Contribute to interactive visualisations and published statistics (e.g., on the Ofqual Analytics site and Statistics at Ofqual site).
• Collaborate with several teams within Ofqual, as well as external organisations, to showcase data science, stakeholder engagement and project management skills.
• Manage projects, prioritise multiple strands of work, meet challenging timescales and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Communicate clearly with both numbers and ideas, foster learning in others, and maintain a focus on quality and impact of work.

Qualifications and requirements

• Expert analytical ability in data science and data manipulation skills.
• Theoretical knowledge and practical experience applying a range of innovative techniques using Python and R; ability to successfully introduce those innovations into the workplace.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable managing projects and collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn and mentor others.