At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse ads using AI to improve online advertising regulation and protect consumers.
- Company: The ASA, the UK's advertising regulator, committed to ethical advertising.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, flexible hours, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team using data science to tackle real-world issues in advertising.
- Qualifications: Experience in data science or analysis, strong Python skills, and a passion for AI.
Salary: £45k - £60k (pro rata if less than 35hrs per week)
Location: London (Hybrid working), with London office presence needed 40% of your working week, 28-35hrs per week - open to discuss flexible working of these hours.
The ASA is the UK’s regulator of advertising across all media, including online. Our work includes taking proactive action against misleading, harmful, offensive or otherwise irresponsible ads and acting on complaints. In short, we make sure ads are legal, decent, honest and truthful.
In this role you will join our Data Science team and work on our world-leading Active Ad Monitoring system, which uses AI to proactively monitor online advertising. In 2025 the system captured and processed 60 million ads across social media, search and programmatic display. The ASA uses this intelligence to help regulate ads across high-priority topics like injectable weight-loss medications, green claims companies make to consumers, disclosure of influencer marketing and many more.
You will be analysing the large volumes of ads the Active Ad Monitoring system captures, providing intelligence that helps teams across the ASA tackle real-world issues in online advertising. You will work primarily in Python, making extensive use of AI models to extract meaning from text, images and videos, and turning unstructured data into actionable intelligence. You will also have a role in helping understand how AI can help accelerate processes across the ASA.
Our team mission is to protect UK consumers from adverts that are misleading, cause harm and target those within our society that are the most vulnerable. Working as part of our small agile team you will have the opportunity to own your work end-to-end, seeing directly how the work you do helps protect UK consumers.
About you:
- You will have a genuine enthusiasm for using Data Science and AI to improve ad regulation in the UK.
- You will have either previously been a Data Scientist, or have similar professional experience, for example in data-intensive academic research or as an analyst with Python experience.
- You will have the ability to write high-quality Python code to manipulate complex datasets.
- You will be able to communicate clearly with non-technical coworkers, understanding the challenges they face regulating online advertising, and coming up with ways to use the technical tools at your disposal to help solve them.
- You will have experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) either professionally or through personal exploration.
- You’ll be impact focused - understanding the problems the ASA faces and prioritising technical solutions that will deliver real impact.
- You will need to be curious and ambitious, creatively solving problems that may arise whilst always having an eye on system/process improvements.
We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the full diversity of the UK population. We believe that varied perspectives and experiences strengthen our organisation and help us deliver our work more effectively. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and we actively encourage candidates from minority or underrepresented groups to apply. Women are currently under-represented within data science roles, and within our Data Science team. In line with our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we particularly encourage applications from women and others who are under-represented in this area.
Our recruitment process ensures applications are absent of names or any identifiable information which supports our aim of finding the best person for the role based on their skills and experience only.
How to apply:
If you’re interested in applying for this role, please review the job description below and complete our online application process which includes answering some questions regarding your motivation for applying for this role and your skills and experience. Should you require any adjustments to our application process please contact hr@asa.org.uk.
Closing date: 17th May 2026. Please note we will be reviewing applications as they come in and we reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a significantly high number of applicants.
First Interview dates: 20th, 21st and 22nd May
Second interview date: W/C 1st June 2026
Data Scientist employer: Advertising Standard Authority
The ASA is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of advertising regulation in the UK. With a commitment to flexible working and a hybrid model, employees can enjoy a balanced work-life while contributing to meaningful projects that protect consumers. The collaborative and inclusive culture fosters professional growth, encouraging team members to innovate and apply their data science skills to real-world challenges, making a tangible impact on society.
Contact Details:
Advertising Standard Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the ASA and its mission! Research their work on ad regulation and think about how your skills in data science can contribute. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your Python skills! Since you'll be working with complex datasets, brush up on your coding abilities. Consider building a small project that uses AI to analyse ads or similar data, so you can showcase your practical experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to communicate your ideas clearly. You'll need to explain technical concepts to non-technical colleagues, so practice breaking down complex topics into simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively within the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for using data science to tackle real-world issues in online advertising – it’ll set you apart from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for data science and AI in your application. Share specific examples of how you've used these skills to tackle real-world problems, especially in ad regulation or similar fields.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience with Python and data manipulation. We want to know how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Communicate Clearly:Remember, we value clear communication! When describing your experience, think about how you can explain complex concepts in a way that non-technical folks can understand. This will show us you can bridge the gap between tech and regulation.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward, so go for it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advertising Standard Authority
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Python skills and be ready to discuss your experience with data manipulation and AI models. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've used these skills in past roles or projects.
✨Understand the ASA's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the ASA's work and the importance of regulating online advertising. Show genuine enthusiasm for how data science can improve ad regulation and protect consumers, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively with non-technical colleagues, so think of ways to relate your technical expertise to their challenges.
✨Show Your Curiosity and Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Highlight your curiosity and ambition by sharing examples of how you've creatively solved problems or improved processes, especially in data-intensive environments.
