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Data Scientist

About the job

Successful candidates may be based in any of our office locations – Cardiff, Glasgow or London. We especially welcome applicants from Cardiff and Glasgow. (20% hybrid, 1 day per week)

Job summary

Data science at Ofgem is not abstract research. It helps us understand energy markets, monitor supplier performance, assess risks to consumers, and support decisions that affect households and businesses across Great Britain. As the energy system becomes more complex, Ofgem needs data scientists who can turn complex, imperfect and fast-moving data into insight, evidence and practical tools that improve regulation.

Ofgem is on an ambitious transformation journey. Within the Digital, Data and Security Services (DDSS) directorate, we are building a stronger Data & AI capability for Ofgem: improving how we use data, developing reusable analytical products, and applying data science and AI safely to priority regulatory and operational challenges.

As a Data Scientist , you will play a key role in delivering analytical solutions that address real-world challenges. You will apply a range of data science techniques to develop models, generate insights and support data-driven decision-making across the organisation. The role is not only about building models; it is about making sure analytical work is robust, explainable and usable by the people who need to make decisions.

This is a hands-on analytical role within a fast-paced and evolving environment. You will combine technical expertise with curiosity, sound judgement and strong communication skills, ensuring that insights are accessible, actionable and aligned with business needs.

Job description

You will be responsible for:

Designing, developing and delivering data science solutions that provide clear evidence, support decisions and can be reused or maintained over time.
Applying statistical, machine learning and analytical techniques where they are the right tools for the problem, and explaining the strengths, limitations and assumptions of the approach.
Working with incomplete, complex or inconsistent data, and applying appropriate quality checks to produce reliable, reproducible and well-documented outputs.
Working with policy, operational and technical colleagues to understand the decision or problem, test whether data science is the right approach, and translate needs into practical analytical solutions.
Communicating findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences through visualisations, presentations and reporting.
Collaborating with data engineers, analysts and delivery teams to ensure solutions are scalable, maintainable and aligned with organisational standards.
Applying responsible AI, ethical, privacy and security considerations throughout the data science lifecycle, including model explainability, bias, proportionality and appropriate governance.
Using modern tools and platforms, including Python and Azure-based technologies, to develop, test, document and, where appropriate, deploy analytical products.
Identifying and implementing improvements to tools, processes and methods, contributing to continuous improvement in data science capability.

We are looking for:

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical capability with curiosity, sound judgement and a practical delivery mindset. You will be comfortable working with ambiguity, engaging with non-technical colleagues, and turning complex data into insight that can be trusted and acted on.

You may come from a data science, analytics or quantitative background, but you will demonstrate:

Experience developing and delivering data science or advanced analytical solutions that have informed decisions, improved services or supported measurable outcomes.
Strong knowledge of statistical methods and machine learning techniques, with the judgement to select proportionate methods and explain their assumptions, limitations and risks.
Practical experience using Python or similar languages to build reproducible analysis, models or data science workflows, ideally using cloud-based data platforms such as Azure.
Ability to work with complex, messy or incomplete datasets, including data preparation, feature engineering, quality assessment, modelling and validation.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical work clearly to non-specialists and provide advice that supports confident decision-making.
Understanding of responsible AI, data ethics, privacy, security and governance considerations in applied data science.
Experience working with analysts, engineers, product or delivery colleagues, or subject matter experts to turn analytical ideas into usable products or services.
Experience working in agile environments, and familiarity with user-centred design approaches, would be beneficial.

This is an opportunity to help shape how a major UK regulator uses data science and AI. Your work will support better decisions, stronger regulation and improved outcomes for energy consumers, while helping build a modern, responsible and delivery-focused Data & AI capability inside Ofgem.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Demonstrated experience in developing data science solutions that enable organisations to achieve their goals (Lead Criteria) .
Demonstrated experience applying AI and data science tools and techniques, particularly those used at OFGEM (Lead Criteria) .
Ability to collaborate with data engineers and scientists, and delivery teams to source, clean and prepare data appropriately.
Ability to write programs and scripts, optimising code and testing products.
Evidence of commitment to develop your own skill set.

Desirable Criteria

Experience of delivering in an agile, iterative manner that delivers value early.
Experience of understanding the role of user research and establishing user needs.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Changing and Improving
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,232, OFGEM contributes £10,206 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Ofgem can offer you a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes; 30 days annual leave after 2 years; Excellent training and development opportunities; The opportunity to join the generous Civil Service pension which also includes a valuable range of benefits; hybrid working (currently 1 day a week in the office but this is kept under review), flexible working hours and family friendly policies. Plus lots of other benefits including clean and bright offices based centrally, engaged networks and teams and an opportunity to contribute to our ambitious and important targets of establishing a Net Zero energy system by 2050. This exciting blend of professional challenge and personal reward identifies career opportunities at Ofgem as something to get excited about.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

When you press the ‘Apply now’ button, you will be asked to complete personal details (not seen by the sift panel), your career history and qualifications.

You will then be asked to provide a 1250 word ‘personal statement’ evidencing how you meet the essential and desirable skills and capabilities listed in the role profile. Please ensure you demonstrate clearly, within your supporting statement, how you meet each of the criteria listed in the role profile. In the event of receiving a large number of applications, an initial sift may take place on just the lead criteria indicated in the essential criteria.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected, you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by [ https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn ].

At Ofgem, we expect our staff to carry out their roles with honesty, fairness and openness. They should follow the Civil Service code and be free from any influence or bias. We are committed to making sure interests are recognised, declared and managed appropriately so that we can fulfil our duties as an energy regulator. Our Conflicts of Interest policy outlines the types of interests Ofgem staff must declare before onboarding, and the rules they must follow throughout employment so that we can clearly demonstrate that our decisions are not influenced by private interests.