Lead Data Scientist

Financial Conduct Authority; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK regulatory body is seeking a Lead Data Scientist in London to support the fight against financial crime using advanced analytics and AI techniques. You will lead a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative environment, while driving impactful projects in data science. The role offers competitive salaries ranging from £64,900 to £88,100 and excellent benefits including a hybrid work model with up to 60% remote work. Join us to help shape the future of financial regulation in the UK.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work

Non‑contributory pension and life assurance

Private healthcare with Bupa income protection

35 hours of paid volunteering annually

Flexible benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Proven ability to apply diverse data science techniques within the team.
• Experience with leading key workstreams in complex projects.
• Ability to collaborate with data engineering teams ensures effective data pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Guide a team of data scientists with mentorship and feedback.
• Foster a curious team environment to explore new data science techniques.
• Develop data science projects reflecting regulatory priorities.

Skills

Machine learning

Data analysis skills

Immunoassays

Research experience

Biochemistry

Cell culture

Molecular biology

Assays

Spectroscopy

Research & Development

cGMP

Tools

Python

R

Job description

Lead Data Scientist

Department: Advanced Analytics and Data Science Units, Financial Conduct Authority, London, England, UK

Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from 59,100 to 80,233 and London from 64,900 to 88,100. Salary offered will be based on skills and experience.

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 the UK.

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 decision transparency and operational efficiency.

This role sits in a Data Science team supporting the FCA Enforcement and Financial Crime. You will apply cutting‑edge AI and advanced analytics to support the FCA in its fight against financial crime.

Role responsibilities

• Support and guide a team of data scientists through thoughtful mentorship, regular feedback and career development conversations that nurture individual growth.
• Cultivate a collaborative and curious team environment by encouraging exploration of new tools, techniques and approaches in data science.
• Build strong relationships with internal partners to co‑design data science projects that reflect regulatory priorities and contribute meaningfully to strategic goals.
• Take a proactive role in shaping and leading initiatives within the Enforcement & Financial Crime Data Science Unit helping drive progress on impactful programmes.
• Work closely with data engineering and governance colleagues to ensure data pipelines are secure, scalable and designed to meet evolving needs.
• Champion excellence in data science by promoting best practices, conducting supportive code reviews and contributing to efforts that enhance financial crime detection and enforcement.

Key Skills

• Laboratory experience, Immunoassays, Machine learning, Biochemistry, Assays, Research experience, Spectroscopy, Research & Development, cGMP, Cell culture, Molecular biology, Data analysis skills.

Skills

Minimum

• Experience in Python, R or other object‑oriented languages applying diverse data science techniques.
• Experience of leading key workstreams within complex cross‑functional projects collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring appropriate resourcing to deliver outcomes.
• Experience of collaborating with data engineering and governance teams to maintain and optimise data pipelines.

Essential

• Skilled in designing and delivering analytics projects using large structured and unstructured datasets.
• Effective collaboration with technical and non‑technical stakeholders to develop solutions.
• Experience in project leadership, managing mentoring and developing junior data scientists.
• Clear communication of insights to stakeholders.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work.
• Non‑contributory pension 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.

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 is 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 that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better regulation.

Disability confident: Our hiring approach

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. People or individuals with disabilities and long‑term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will be considered in the next stage of the recruitment process. If you require adjustments due to a disability or condition, your recruiter is here to help – reach out for tailored support.

Useful information and timelines

• Advert Closing Date: 9 November at 11:59 pm.
• CV Review/Shortlist: 10-11 November.
• Interviews: from 17 November.
• Your recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening. Please make them aware if you are unavailable for any date during this time.
• SC Clearance is required for this role (SC Guidance). You will hold or will be required to obtain Security Check (SC) level vetting.

Employment type

Full‑time.

Scoring

Vacancy: 1.