At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Data Science team to analyse ads and improve online advertising regulation.
- Company: The ASA, the UK's independent regulator for responsible advertising.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Use AI and data science to protect consumers from misleading ads.
- Qualifications: Experience in Python and data analysis; passion for improving ad regulation.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
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
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in x days at xx:xx BST.
The Vacancy: 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.
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.
The Company:
We are the UK’s independent frontline regulator of ads by legitimate businesses and other organisations in all media, including online. We are authoritative and influential on ad regulation; the centre of expertise. The rules we administer and enforce are contained in the UK Advertising Codes, written by the industry Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP). To help maintain our independence from the industry that funds us, we are primarily funded at arm’s length by the Advertising Standards Boards of Finance (Asbof). Together, the ASA, CAP and Asbof make up the ASA system.
Our purpose is to make sure ads are responsible. Our ambition is to make sure every UK ad is a responsible ad. Our values are to be proactive, collaborative, accountable, transparent and decisive. We want external stakeholders to find us to be: independent in administering the Codes; evidence-based, proportionate, targeted and consistent; and reflective of society, not a social engineer.
We are passionate about what we do because responsible ads are good for people, good for society and good for business. They entertain and inform us, helping us to choose products and services. They fund the media, sport and culture we all enjoy. They can be a force for social good, encouraging us to contribute to good causes, make more responsible choices and stay safe. And they help deliver competition and power the economy. By making sure ads are responsible, we protect people from being misled, harmed or offended, helping them feel more confident in the ads they see and hear.
Data Scientist employer: Advertising Standards Authority
Contact Detail:
Advertising Standards Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with fellow data enthusiasts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Python and AI. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with non-technical colleagues at the ASA.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation. Don’t forget to highlight your passion for responsible advertising!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Data Science: Let us see your enthusiasm for using Data Science and AI in ad regulation. Share specific examples of how you've applied these skills in the past, whether in a job or personal projects. This will help us understand your genuine interest in the role!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience with Python and data manipulation. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at the ASA, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Communicate Clearly: Remember, we value clear communication! When describing your experience, think about how you can explain complex concepts in simple terms. This will show us that you can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete the process smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advertising Standards Authority
✨Know Your Python Inside Out
Since you'll be working extensively with Python, make sure you brush up on your coding skills. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects and how you've manipulated complex datasets. Practising coding challenges can also help you feel more confident during technical questions.
✨Understand the ASA's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the ASA's role in regulating advertising and the specific challenges they face. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the position but also help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their mission of protecting UK consumers from misleading ads.
✨Prepare for AI Discussions
Given the focus on AI in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with Large Language Models and how they can be applied to ad regulation. Think of examples where you've used AI to solve problems or improve processes, as this will demonstrate your impact-focused mindset.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
You'll need to explain complex data science concepts to non-technical colleagues, so practice simplifying your explanations. Use relatable analogies or examples to convey your ideas clearly. This will showcase your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.