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# Lead Security Data Scientist

- **Company:** DWP Digital
- **Location:** Manchester, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics Applications, Data Analysis, Cyber Security, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Machine Learning, Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, Cyber Warfare
- **Published:** July 14, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/lead-data-scientist/dwp-digital-job107682750

## About the Role

We're looking for an experienced data science leader who is passionate about developing people, driving innovation and solving complex problems.

You have:

 * A strong background in data science, machine learning or security analytics
 * Experience leading, developing and growing high-performing technical teams
 * A track record of delivering AI, machine learning or analytics solutions into production
 * Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at senior levels
 * Experience translating complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes
 * The ability to shape strategy and drive delivery within a large, complex organisation
 * Knowledge of modern AI approaches, including areas such as Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), prompt engineering, observability and evaluation

Experience in cyber security, fraud analytics, behavioural analytics or threat detection would be particularly valuable.

## Description

The Security Data Science team sits within DWP's Cyber Resilience Centre, bringing together expertise in data science, analytics, machine learning and automation to tackle some of the department's most complex security challenges.

The team develops innovative capabilities that help identify threats, support cyber operations and strengthen the security of DWP's systems, services and data.

What you'll be doing

As Lead Security Data Scientist, you'll set the direction for Security Data Science across DWP, shaping how data science and AI are used to support the department's cyber security objectives.

This is primarily a leadership role. You'll lead a team of talented data scientists and analysts, developing capability, setting clear standards and creating the environment for the team to thrive.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across cyber security, digital and policy teams, you'll identify where data science can deliver the greatest impact and ensure the team's work contributes directly to organisational objectives.

You'll also remain closely connected to the technical work, providing oversight and guidance across machine learning, AI and analytics initiatives. From early discovery through to deployment and continuous improvement, you'll help ensure solutions are effective, scalable and deliver real value.


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