Principal Data Scientist

The Guardian; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK media organization is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to lead the development of impactful AI and machine learning solutions across the rail industry. This permanent role involves identifying high-value opportunities, engaging stakeholders, and mentoring the team. The successful candidate will foster innovation, ensuring the delivery of solutions that meet stakeholder needs and contribute to continuous improvement. Employees enjoy hybrid working flexibility and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Private medical and dental cover

Flexible and hybrid working options

Season ticket loan and travel subsidy

Performance-related bonus

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience developing production ML solutions in Python.
• Proven practical experience in stakeholder engagement.
• Experience managing and mentoring development teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of AI and ML solutions.
• Engage stakeholders to identify opportunities for AI solutions.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the team.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Machine Learning

Python

Agile methodologies

Communication skills

Team management

Job description

Join RSSB as Principal Data Scientist and lead the delivery of AI and machine learning solutions that make a real impact across the rail industry.

In this senior role, you’ll identify high-value opportunities, engage stakeholders, and ensure our digital products solve real-world challenges. You’ll mentor and develop the team, champion best practices, and represent RSSB’s Data Science and AI capability across the sector. You’ll drive innovation by introducing new tools and frameworks, inspiring a culture of continuous improvement and experimentation. Success will be measured by the delivery of high-impact solutions, stakeholder satisfaction, and the growth of the team.

This is a permanent role based at the RSSB office in Fenchurch Avenue with hybrid working. In-office days will be based in the City of London, supported by a commuting travel subsidy benefit. The close date for the role is 11th December 2025.

What you’ll do:

• Promote RSSB’s Data Science and AI capabilities internally and externally, positioning the team as a trusted partner and thought leader.
• Identify and prioritise opportunities for AI enabled digital solutions by engaging with both external partners and internal subject matter experts.
• Lead the team in navigating complex, ambiguous, and novel challenges, making informed decisions in situations with incomplete information.
• Drive the development and delivery of Machine Learning (ML) and AI solutions, acting as technical lead and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Foster a culture of adaptability and resilience, ensuring the team thrives in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Contribute to team strategy, and the development and implementation of policy, processes, standards and guidelines.

Full role details can be found in the job description attached.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven practical experience in stakeholder engagement to understand pain points and resolve them using data and advanced analytics.
• Extensive experience developing production ML (and AI) solutions in Python, using code repositories.
• Demonstrated experience deploying, testing, and monitoring ML solutions.
• Proven experience leading development teams using Agile methodologies and tools.
• Experience working with subject matter experts to refine analyses and interpret insights.
• Experience collaborating with architects, data engineers, and web developers to deliver cloud-based tools.
• Experience managing and mentoring less experienced colleagues, providing guidance on development activities and upskilling in technical and soft skills.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Ability to adapt and respond effectively to new opportunities, change, and uncertainty.
• Commitment to customer service and delivering outcomes that meet stakeholder needs.
• Inclusive leadership style, with a focus on developing and retaining talent and ensuring all voices are heard.
• Experience managing teams to budgets and project timelines.
• Ability to define and track success metrics for digital solutions.

Why Join RSSB?

We value our people and offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Private medical and dental cover
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Season ticket loan and travel subsidy
• Cycle to work scheme
• Volunteer leave
• Performance-related bonus
• Pension scheme
• Learning and development opportunities

Ready to Apply?

Apply now and help us shape the future of railway standards.

We value diversity and equal opportunities in employment and are committed to creating a workplace which is inclusive to everyone. As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we encourage candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria to apply.

If you require any reasonable adjustments with respect to our selection process, including information in an alternative format, please contact us.

We understand the importance of work-life balance, and we offer our staff the flexibility to work within our core hours and the option to vary their location between both the office and home. If you are looking for further flexibility, speak to us at interview stage so that we can consider your request.