Senior Data Scientist (AI)

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Senior Data Scientist (AI) for a 12 month contract based Hybrid in London or York.

About the role: This role will play a key part in a new, early-stage AI programme within Network Rail, applying advanced analytics and machine learning to improve operational performance and deliver innovative, real-world AI solutions. You will build machine learning models and AI-driven products, including a new customer-facing AI assistant currently in testing, working with complex and fragmented datasets from across the rail ecosystem. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will translate data into actionable insights that drive measurable improvements in operations, customer experience and strategic decision making. You will have the opportunity to shape and influence how AI is adopted across the organisation.

As a Senior Data Scientist (AI), your main responsibilities will be to:

• Design and build advanced machine learning models to analyse complex operational, infrastructure and performance datasets.
• Work with large, fragmented datasets from multiple sources, assessing data quality and shaping datasets for modelling and AI use cases.
• Contribute to the development of AI-driven solutions, including customer-facing tools and operational optimisation models.
• Apply predictive analytics and advanced modelling techniques to improve planning, maintenance strategies, asset optimisation and customer outcomes.
• Collaborate with data and engineering teams to evolve data structures and support scalable AI capability.
• Continuously improve data science workflows, tooling and processes, including automation and experimentation.
• Engage with senior stakeholders across the organisation, challenging thinking where needed and translating complex insights into clear, actionable outcomes.
• Support the prioritisation and governance of AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and responsible AI practices.
• Communicate technical findings clearly through presentations, dashboards and reports.

Essential:

• Proven experience in data science, machine learning and predictive modelling in real-world environments.
• Strong programming skills in Python (or R), with experience using libraries such as Pandas and Scikit-learn, along with SQL and data visualisation tools.
• Proven ability to work with complex or imperfect datasets and deliver practical solutions.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and communicate at senior level.
• Experience delivering data-driven solutions from concept through to implementation.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a collaborative mindset.

Desirable:

• A degree (or equivalent qualification) in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or a closely related field such as Data Science, Computer Science, or Statistics.
• Familiarity with the railway sector and its operational challenges is a plus.
• Experience working on AI-driven products (eg chatbots, NLP, or customer-facing AI solutions).

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas. Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident: As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.

In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant: Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.