Principal Statistical Methodologist

Office for National Statistics; Newport, Titchfield; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexi-time

Pension 29%

Holiday entitlement 25–30 days

Job summary

Office for National Statistics in the United Kingdom seeks a senior statistician with extensive expertise in statistical methods for official statistics. The role emphasizes sample design, estimation, weighting, and methodological assurance.

You will lead methodological research, coach teams, and communicate complex issues clearly to stakeholders while maintaining robust, reproducible analytical standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of statistical methods and their application in official statistics.
• Strong track record leading methodological and analytical research and development.
• Excellent communication and ability to influence stakeholders with evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience programming in R and/or Python with good code development practices.

Skills

Statistical methods

R and/or Python

Code development

Git version control

Reproducible pipelines

Tools

RAP

Python tooling

Job description

Location: The locations for this role are Newport and Titchfield (Fareham).

We operate a flexible hybrid working model across the UK, with colleagues linked to one of our contractual locations and working between office and remote throughout the week. As part of the hybrid working arrangement there is a 40% minimum office attendance requirement.

Working Patterns: All our vacancies are offered as a flexible option of Full time, Part time, Flexible working, Job Share

Closing date: Apply before 11:55 pm on Friday 28th August 2026

Important - For Office for National Statistics (ONS) the requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for 3 consecutive years immediately prior to applying.

Person specification

• Extensive knowledge and practical experience of statistical methods and their application within official statistics, with established expertise in developing, evaluating and delivering sample design, estimation, weighting and related methods. Experience in applying methodological expertise to complex statistical challenges and providing robust methodological assurance for statistical outputs.
• A strong track record of leading methodological and analytical research and development, delivering complex programmes of work to a high standard and driving methodological innovation. Experience of leading and developing analytical teams through coaching, mentoring, training and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication, engagement and influencing skills, with experience of providing statistical advice and consultancy to a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, operational delivery teams, academics and external experts. Able to build effective relationships, communicate complex methodological issues clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and influence decisions through evidence-based recommendations.
• Strong statistical computing and reproducible analytical skills, with substantial experience of programming in R and/or Python and applying these skills to methodological research and production. Demonstrates good practice in code development, including code review, version control using Git, and the application of Reproducible Analytical Pipelines (RAP) principles to produce robust, efficient and transparent analytical solutions.

In return we offer you:

• Hybrid working and flexi-time so you can work around your life, not the other way around!
• A market leading pension scheme - our employer contribution rate is around 29%
• A choice of working patterns for every role full-time, part-time, job-share.
• Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of 26 weeks full pay (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Opportunities to learn new technology & skills on the job, utilising blocked out Protected Learning Time in your weekly schedule and taking advantage of the support of our Communities of Practice
• Employee Assistance Programmes
• Diversity Network Groups
• Mental Health Allies
• Civil Service Sports and Social club
• Generous holiday allowance – 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years service in addition to 9 public holidays