Overview:
Use your Data Science skills to improve the lives of people across Scotland
Our vision is to create a more successful country, increase wellbeing, and provide opportunities to all people living in Scotland.
As Lead Data Scientist you will play a unique and vital role in realising this vision - helping public services to make full use of scientific practices to turn data into evidence, while advising the Scottish Government on its use of Artificial Intelligence. In doing so you will help increase the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the services delivered.
Responsibilities:
How will I spend my time?
As part of a small, specialist team which values innovation, you will work collaboratively with analysts and data professionals across the wider civil service.
You will assist, coach, and support the field of data science. Responsible for managing and developing teams, building organisational capability, and setting and communicating direction you will;
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Identify opportunities to deploy extensive knowledge of data science techniques, and in challenging the status quo
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Design and implement scalable data science outputs and products, driving collaboration with others in support of organisational goals
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Select the most appropriate tools and technologies
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Navigate ethical concerns and issues relating to data
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Communicate and present findings effectively
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Tackle delivery plans and priorities
After a successful first year, you will have contributed to projects across a diverse range of public services, including for example Education, Health, and Environment. This will include, automating analyses and official statistics, mentoring colleagues in innovative analysis and AI, giving technical advice to policy and regulation for Scotland.
Competencies
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Communications and Engagement
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Managing Others
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Improving Performance
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Analysis and use of information
If invited to any interview or assessment the panel will be looking for evidence of how you meet the above competencies. More details on these are available in the Person Specification attached;
Person_Specification_Band_C Update May23
Essential Criteria & Qualifications:
No formal qualifications are required for this role. We would love you to apply if you meet the following essential criteria. If you would like to chat first, please get in touch
Practical experience of data science and analytics disciplines, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, data science workflows and the selection of appropriate techniques and capabilities to generate insights, create value and support resolution.-
Experience in planning and directing the identification and assessment of new and emerging technologies and the evaluation of the potential impacts, threats, and opportunities, drawing on internal and external networks to facilitate information gathering.
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Project management of data science teams with diverse skills.
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Experience in applying specialist expertise to provide insightful advice to inform strategic decision making and policy development, drawing on personal knowledge and wider networks of experts
What we can offer you
A meaningful and rewarding career, a collaborative culture and support for your career goals, while promoting a healthy work-life balance. We offer a valuable range of benefits to attract, develop and retain the best talent. These include:
Salary between £52,355 to £65,276-
£5000 Digital (DDaT) Pay Supplement after a 3-month qualifying period ***
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Generous Pension Scheme with employer contributions ranging from 26.6% to 30.3%
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Flexible working arrangements including compressed hours and flexi time, with potential to accrue up to 4 days off a month
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25 Days Annual Leave (increasing in line with service) plus 11.5 days Public & Privilege holidays
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Workplace adjustments for everyone that needs them to ensure your comfort and safety in your new role
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Access to a wide range of courses offered by the Scottish Digital Academy, plus opportunities to gain professional memberships and academic qualifications
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Automatic Membership of the Scottish Government DDaT profession and professional development system.
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Maternity leave entitlement up to 52 weeks regardless of your seniority or length of employment.
***This post attracts a £5000 DDAT pay supplement after a 3 months DDaT competency qualifying period. Pay supplements are temporary payments and are subject to regular review.
Remote Working
We operate a flexible location policy, with a contractual named base in Scotland of either Atlantic Quay (Glasgow) or Victoria Quay (Edinburgh).
Currently the team is working on a hybrid basis typically spending one day a week at their office. If preferred, you can of course spend more time working at the base office (or an alternative Scottish Government office subject to availability). Commuting costs to the named base office are not reimbursed
While staff are assigned to the base office, there may be a need for travel to other Scottish Government offices/other locations depending on assigned work.
Hear from colleagues discussing Digital Careers at Scottish Government.
How to Apply
The Closing Date for applications is 23:55 - 16/07/23
To apply please submit the following using our online application process: -
A CV (no longer than two A4 pages) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements, with particular referenceto the essential criteria-
A Personal Statement (no longer than 750 words) explaining why you consider your personal skills, qualities, and experience suitable for this role, with particular referenceto the essential criteria
When reviewing your application, we will be assessing your career history and achievements against the essential criteria for the role. We are looking for examples of things you have previously achieved or your knowledge in a particular field which are relevant to the role. Please review and download links below for further guidance and support with your application.
Any questions or issues during the process please contact the Talent Acquisition Partner, ellis.ridley@gov.scot
Useful Links
How to Apply - Digital Jobs
DDaT_Recruitment_-_Further_Information
Recruitment Map Process
Get The Job
We are unable to progress applications which fail to provide clear evidence of meeting the essential criteria in their CV and Personal Statement.
Diversity and Inclusion
Delivering a successful national service for Scotland is impossible without ensuring we consider the diverse needs, perspectives, and backgrounds of everyone in Scotland in our work.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and work to ensure a positive recruitment experience where everyone is treated fairly, and with respect regardless of the outcome.
It’s not essential to be in a similar role right now. You may be working in another field or returning from a career break - the experiences you have gained through this can bring fresh perspectives to our teams and work.
What happens if I am unsuccessful?
We greatly value the time and effort taken in applying to Scottish Government. If following interview and completing our full assessment process, you are not successful we may be able to offer alternative positions.
Firstly, candidates meeting all criteria but scoring lower than appointed candidate(s) are placed on a reserve list for 12 months. If a matching role is identified, we are able to offer this position without the need for further assessment. Secondly, on occasion a lower grade post may be offered to suitable candidates. Any offers are made in merit order and in line with Civil Service Commission principles on the basis of fair and open competition.
The Scottish Government is a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. If you require any adjustments to our recruitment process, please let us know via ScottishGovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot
As part of any recruitment process, Scottish Government and associated public bodies collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants and applicants for public appointments.
Personal information you provide in the recruitment process will be made available to Scottish Government and our additional data processors.