Location
National (Hybrid working model with balance between remote work and time spent in your local office). London location recruited to is 10 South Colonnade, E14 4PU only.

Hours
Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Job Share

Salary
National: £58,511 - £65,329 (which may include an allowance up to £16,014)
London: £63,343 - £70,725 (which may include an allowance up to £15,970)

About the Role
We are recruiting Principal Data Scientists to join Justice Digital, Data and Science within the Ministry of Justice. This role is part of the Data Science & AI teams working to ensure high quality data, algorithms, and tools are available, trusted, and effectively used to improve decision making across the justice system. You will lead a team of 1-3 data scientists delivering data science and AI products and analysis, acting as a technical specialist and coach, setting coding standards, and championing best practices.

The role involves working with a broad range of architectures in collaboration with data engineering, communicating effectively with senior stakeholders, and contributing to an inclusive and vibrant Data Science Hub culture.

The MoJ Data Science community supports a diverse agenda including machine learning, natural language processing, semantic embedding models, operational research, and generative AI. You will be part of a team delivering impactful projects such as the award-winning safety diagnostic tool for prisons and the public-facing Criminal Justice System delivery data dashboard.

Benefits include a generous Civil Service pension contribution of 28.97%, 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days after 5 years), 8 bank holidays plus a privilege day, flexible working arrangements, 10% working time allocated for personal and professional development, a £1,000 learning budget, and compassionate family leave policies.

This is a permanent position at Grade 7 with 6 vacancies available. The role requires passing Security Check clearance.

Experience
- Strong knowledge of data science including machine learning, AI, and natural language processing.
- Experience leading teams to deliver data science projects and products, ideally in cloud computing environments.
- Strong programming skills with experience delivering projects using Python or R.
- Proven track record in developing quality assurance processes, producing robust and reproducible analysis using modern version control software.
- Ability to communicate and influence diverse stakeholder groups, explaining data concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Willingness to be assessed against Security Check clearance requirements.

About You
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills to support organisational objectives.
- Enthusiastic about promoting adoption and learning of new data science tools and techniques.
- Committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative team environment.
- Aligned with the Ministry of Justice values: Purpose, Humanity, Openness, and Together.

Qualifications
- No specific qualifications are mandated; however, relevant experience and skills in data science and leadership are essential.
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and meet nationality requirements as per Civil Service guidelines.