> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1211906-joint-head-of-data-science](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1211906-joint-head-of-data-science). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Joint Head of Data Science - **Company:** Department for Transport - **Location:** London, UK (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £69,501.0 - £74,535.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics Applications, Data Analysis, Computer Programming, Data Cleansing, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Azure Active Directory, SQL Databases, Digital Twin - **Published:** July 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=b22dfafe2e102e33 ## About the Role Are you passionate about data science, AI and analysis? Are you an innovator who is driven to use data to bring about the next generation of transport decision making? Are you an experienced and effective leader of technical teams?, * The application of AI and data science to improving efficiency and decision making. Including technical expertise across areas of: * Programming: involving data cleaning, manipulation and analysis that supports institutional goals. [Noting the team primarily works in Python and SQL.] * Analytical mindset: Using a range of data sources, analytical tools and techniques, including data interpretation, statistical uncertainty and understanding assumptions. * Presenting outputs and analysis: including high quality data visualisations and/or interactive tools; * Understanding the ethical considerations of potential data science approaches, and the legislation applicable in this area, e.g.: GDPR, DPA. Awareness of existing Government and other frameworks., This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills., Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. ## Description The Advanced Analytics Division (AAD) is central to DfT’s work on AI, data science, digital twins, advanced modelling, and systems thinking. As a multidisciplinary part of the Analysis Directorate, the team drives innovation to tackle complex challenges, combining specialist expertise, rapid response capability, and external collaboration. AAD also develops capability through accelerator programmes. The division operates across London, Hastings, Leeds, and Birmingham, drawing professionals from GORS, GSS, GSE, and DDaT. Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to: * Joint leadership of the AI and Data Science team. * Leading and managing innovative data science and AI projects, including: * Engaging with DfT and external stakeholders to identify high impact projects aligned to organisational priorities, understanding the organisational and user needs and translate these into technical solutions. * Building data science and technical capability and community across DfT, our agencies and Arm’s Length Bodies, and the wider sector. Including: * Proactively seeking out opportunities to collaborate or support. * Investigating new frameworks and tools, developing your skills, and building capability in the team. Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public., * Leading technical teams to deliver in a complex or cross-cutting, multi-professional / multi-functional environment. * Taking a whole lifecycle view of data science projects, and managing the move from development to deployment, maintenance and end of life. * Engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs and to identify opportunities for data science, machine learning and AI. * Bringing together communities and networks, and building capability, across areas or sectors., The successful candidate must either hold or be willing to work towards the Government Project Delivery Accreditation once in role. You will be required to undertake the Foundation e-learning module of the Contract Management Capability programme once in role, unless this accreditation is already held. The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance. The base pay is £69,501 (National) - £74,535 (London). In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £28,560. The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process. Here are more details on the pay framework. This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements. The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation. This role may involve travel to other offices, which could involve overnight stays. If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details)., During your application, you should indicate which location(s) you wish to be considered for and, if successful, you will be placed on an individual list of candidates for each location. Candidates will be held on that list and drawn from it in merit order. We advise you to carefully consider which locations you wish to be considered for. If you decline an offer for a location you have expressed a preference in or have expressed an interest in more than one location and accept an offer, you will be withdrawn from any lists you may be held on. We may also offer candidates a location that they have not expressed a preference for where we have the requirement to do so but this will again be done on the basis of your place in the overall merit order and, in this event, you will not be removed from the list if you decline., As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes., All external applicants and current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as: * Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour * Threats or acts of violence * Illegal activity or substance misuse * Sexually explicit material * Extremist views or affiliations Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public. Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. It’s not about judging your personality or lifestyle - it’s about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture. If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail what’s being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly. Feedback Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment., * UK nationals * nationals of the Republic of Ireland * nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK * nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) * nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) * individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 * Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service ## Related Videos - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [Data Science, ML & AI in the Oil and Gas Industry at NDT Global - Dr. Katja Träumner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1308-data-science-ml-ai-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry-at-ndt-global-dr-katja-traumner) - [AI in Regulated Industry - Validating AI-Enabled Products with PLM and Digital Twins](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2065-ai-in-regulated-industry-validating-ai-enabled-products-with-plm-and-digital-twins) - [Fault Tolerance and Consistency at Scale: Harnessing the Power of Distributed SQL Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1146-fault-tolerance-and-consistency-at-scale-harnessing-the-power-of-distributed-sql-databases) - [Beyond Hiring: Building a Sustainable Talent Acquisition Engine at Deutsche Bahn](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1856-beyond-hiring-building-a-sustainable-talent-acquisition-engine-at-deutsche-bahn) - [Every CEO needs a digital twin to understand the scope of generative AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1006-every-ceo-needs-a-digital-twin-to-understand-the-scope-of-generative-ai) ## Related Articles - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market)