Senior Data Scientist

National Physical Laboratory; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to join their team in Solihull. In this key role, you will manipulate large datasets to deliver actionable insights that enhance the UK's telecoms and cybersecurity landscape. Your analytical expertise will be leveraged for developing reports and solutions that drive strategic initiatives.

This position also offers flexibility in work hours, supporting a healthy work-life balance, while necessitating SC clearance for successful applicants.

Qualifications

• Confidence working with large datasets to uncover patterns and insights.
• Experience in data preparation – collecting, cleaning, and structuring data.
• Ability to translate technical findings into clear insights.

Responsibilities

• Turn complex datasets into actionable insights for research and testing.
• Create reports and dashboards to communicate insights effectively.
• Contribute to system development and operational improvements.

Skills

Data analysis

Cybersecurity understanding

Programming (Python, R, Julia)

Machine learning

Job description

At UKTL, you’ll be part of a team strengthening the UK’s telecoms ecosystem through cutting-edge testing, research, and innovation. As a Senior Data Scientist, you’ll play a key role in supporting and collaborating with our Test and Research teams, turning complex data into meaningful insights that influence real-world decisions. This is your opportunity to work at the intersection of telecoms, cybersecurity, and national infrastructure, contributing to work that genuinely matters.

Your impact

• Dive into telecoms systems, technologies, and infrastructure, exploring how they operate and where improvements can be made
• Turn complex datasets into clear, actionable insights that shape research and testing priorities
• Work closely with test and research teams to solve challenges using data-driven approaches
• Create reports, dashboards, and presentations that communicate insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Contribute to system development, operational improvements, and wider strategic initiatives
• Stay on top of industry trends, cybersecurity developments, and regulatory changes
• Build analytical tools and outputs that support investigations and decision‑making
• Continuously refine data and insights to ensure they remain accurate, relevant, and valuable

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Solihull, Birmingham at least twice a week.

We strive to offer a great work‑life balance – if you are looking for full‑time, part‑time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

What you’ll bring

• Confidence working with large, complex datasets to uncover patterns and insights
• Understanding of cybersecurity concepts, including threat actors and TTPs
• Experience in data preparation – collecting, cleaning, and structuring data from multiple sources
• Knowledge of machine learning and modelling, with the ability to build predictive or automated solutions
• Strong data exploration skills, with a curiosity for identifying trends, anomalies, and opportunities
• Ability to translate technical findings into clear, meaningful insights
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R or Julia

How you’ll work

• You’re a critical thinker and problem solver who enjoys tackling complex challenges
• You handle sensitive information with integrity and discretion
• You take ownership of your work and show initiative
• You have a strong attention to detail and care about quality
• You communicate confidently and collaborate well across multidisciplinary teams
• You’re organised and able to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• You build strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

Why this role is for you

• You’ll contribute to work that strengthens the UK's telecoms infrastructure and security
• You’ll collaborate with experts across testing, research, and cyber resilience
• You’ll be part of a purpose‑driven organisation making a real impact
• You’ll work in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment with opportunities to grow and develop

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.