Senior Data Scientist

ZipRecruiter; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A defence and security solutions provider is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to lead high-impact projects. Located in Bristol, this hybrid role involves defining data science strategies and mentoring junior team members. Candidates should have strong Python skills, proficiency in key data science libraries, and experience in managing project timelines. This role is ideal for sole British nationals eligible for SC clearance.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior data science or quantitative academic position.
• High level of mathematical and statistical competence.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and mentor others.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of bespoke data science projects.
• Define the data science strategy and design supporting software architecture.
• Mentor junior data scientists.

Skills

Strong Python programming skills

Proficiency in NumPy

Proficiency in Pandas

Proficiency in Scikit-learn

Experience with TensorFlow

Experience with PyTorch

Project management skills

Strong communication skills

Job description

Job Description

Senior Data Scientist

Location: Bristol(hybrid, up to 3 days a week onsite)

Salary: £80,000 – £95,000 base depending on experience

NOTE: Due to the nature of the client's work, you must be a sole British and eligible for SC clearance.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Data Scientist to lead high-impact projects within the defence and security sector. This is a rare opportunity to work on complex, mission-critical challenges while applying cutting-edge data science methods in a secure, technically rigorous environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead end-to-end delivery of bespoke data science projects across the defence and security space
• Define the data science strategy and design the supporting software architecture for client engagements
• Scope new projects with internal commercial teams, ensuring technical feasibility and alignment with client goals
• Engage directly with clients, shaping the direction of current and future work through trusted technical guidance
• Collaborate with engineers and designers to inform product development and ensure seamless deployment
• Mentor and support the professional development of junior data scientists through both structured mentoring and hands-on project guidance
• Represent the business externally via speaking engagements, roundtables, open-source contributions, or client training sessions
• Contribute to internal learning through teaching and mentoring on in-house data science programs
• Work with secure infrastructure and advanced tooling to deliver production-ready, scalable AI solutions

What We’re Looking For

• Significant experience in a senior data science or quantitative academic position
• Strong Python programming skills, with the ability to write production-grade code
• Proficiency in core data science libraries (e.g. NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn) and familiarity with at least one deep learning framework (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• A solid understanding of the full range of data science techniques, including supervised and unsupervised learning, Bayesian methods, NLP, time-series analysis, and SQL querying
• Ability to scope, design, and lead delivery of innovative data science solutions
• High level of mathematical and statistical competence
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and mentor others, fostering both technical growth and a collaborative culture
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills; comfortable interfacing with clients and presenting technical content to varied audiences
• Commercial awareness and the ability to translate business problems into data-driven solutions
• Experience managing project timelines, technical feasibility assessments, and delivery schedules

Security Requirements: Due to the sensitive nature of the work, only sole British nationals (no dual ) who are eligible for SC clearance can be considered for this position.

If you're a technically capable, mission-driven data scientist ready to take on meaningful projects in a secure and collaborative setting, we’d love to hear from you.