Senior Data Scientist in Agencies

Join to apply for the Senior Data Scientist in Agencies role at Bank of England.

The Monetary Analysis directorate provides expert advice and guidance to the Monetary Policy Committee so that it can decide and communicate the right policy strategy to meet its price stability objective.

Bank of England Agents and their teams operate from 12 agencies across the UK. Up to four agents are based at each agency and they are supported by small administrative teams. Agents have one-to-one confidential conversations with businesses and community organisations in their area. They hold local events so people can share views and experiences. They meet hundreds of contacts, from small businesses and community organisations to large global companies. They gather insight into all sectors of the economy. The agents find out what conditions are like for businesses and communities. Our agents make sure we have a well-rounded view of economic conditions and prospects across the UK. They help business people and our economists understand each other. They connect our policymakers (across the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the Financial Policy Committee (FPC) and the Prudential Regulation Committee (PRC)) with what’s happening on the ground. Our agents organise visits for our policymakers across the UK so they can hear the views of businesses and communities first-hand.

Key Responsibilities

• Line management of an Analyst in Data Science and three Senior Research Assistants.
• Work with the Technical Agent for Data Strategy to implement the Data Analytics/ AI and Technology strategy for the Agency Network.
• Lead advanced research and experimentation in AI, including Machine Learning and Generative AI, and statistical modelling.
• Develop and implement complex data science solutions, ensuring they deliver measurable business improvements.
• Work collaboratively with Agents to implement new analytical tools, including scoping and leading projects.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to an Analyst Data Scientist and 3 Senior RAs.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders in the Agency Network and Monetary Analysis more widely to define objectives, frame problems, and deliver improvements.
• Drive innovation by identifying emerging trends in data science and assessing their applicability to the Agency Network.
• Ensure data science solutions align with governance, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Provide leadership to the Analyst and Senior Research Assistants in operationalising innovations in data science.

The Senior Data Scientist will be part of a peer group in the Agency Network, allowing further integration into broader Agencies discussion and activities. The Senior Data Scientist will be a member of the Data and Analytics Team and can get involved in a range of workstreams via membership of a Working Group.

Role Requirements

Minimum criteria

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with passion, perseverance and flexibility to apply advanced data science techniques to develop robust and valuable data solutions to solve real-world problems in an unfamiliar environment.
• Meeting business requirements to agreed timetables while leading multiple work streams with limited oversight.
• Expert knowledge in R and/or Python, and how they work with Spark, to deliver critical data science and analytical capabilities in big data platforms.
• High proficiency in analysing big data with cloud services (e.g. Microsoft Azure Services, Databricks).
• Expertise in product ownership to develop high quality analytical products and big data platform capabilities.
• Experience of software development best practices, including unit testing and CI/CD processes.
• Knowledge and experience of using various Large Language Models (LLMs) tools and techniques, including GPT models, Llama, Azure OpenAI etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to engage effectively with colleagues at a range of seniorities and knowledge levels.
• An open and collaborative approach to foster strong positive partnerships with colleagues all over the organisation.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to manage and develop a team consisting of an Analyst Data Scientist and three Senior Research Assistants.
• Thought leadership on data science and AI capabilities.
• Proficiency in data visualisation tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI) and presenting data effectively.

Desirable criteria

• Experience and knowledge of Cloudera Data Platform.
• Change management experience.
• An appreciation of the Bank’s approach to monetary and/or financial policy, with an interest in learning more about how Agency intelligence and data informs this.

This is a people management role. You will be responsible for day to day management of the team and for defining roles and responsibilities. You will develop your team through sharing information effectively, coaching and communicating a clear vision to ensure that your staff are productive, engaged and motivated to deliver the area's aims.

Our Approach to Inclusion

The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We play a key role in maintaining monetary and financial stability, and to do that effectively, we believe we need a workforce that reflects the society we serve.

At the Bank of England, we want all colleagues to feel valued and respected, so we're working hard to build an inclusive culture which supports people from all backgrounds and communities to be at their best at work. We celebrate all forms of diversity, including (but not limited to) age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

This role can be based in one of the Agency offices in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds or London and the jobholder will be required to meet regularly with the wider Data and Analytics Team in a central location.

Salary And Benefits Information

This role offers a salary of circa £73,760 - £92,160. In addition, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package.

Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with the Bank policy.

The Bank of England welcomes applications from all candidates, but as a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor, we have a responsibility to comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance.

The Application Process

Important: Please ensure that you complete the ‘work history’ section and answer ALL the application questions fully.