At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data science strategy and mentor a talented team to drive impactful research.
- Company: Join BIT, a pioneering organisation at the forefront of evidence-based policy and innovative technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work with world-leading experts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to transform research processes using cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by leveraging AI and data science for social impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data science leadership and a passion for ethical data practices.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
BIT is in the business of developing, testing, and recommending evidence-based policy and services.
We do this as rigorously as possible, typically through randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental designs (QEDs).
Alongside these core established methods, we are increasingly using advanced data science, machine learning, and natural language processing techniques.
Recent examples include machine learning to pinpoint at-risk online gamblers for targeted support, conducting network analysis to enable anti-conflict programmes in schools, and natural language processing to understand the role of local media in communities.
Crucially, we are pioneering AI-enabled methods—to ensure our research, policy, service, and product development remains rigorous, behaviourally informed, and cutting-edge.
The Head of Data Science is a critical role within our methods leadership team.
You will be the technical anchor for our data science function, ensuring the highest standards of data ethics, security, quality, and technical rigour.
Working closely with the Group Director of Research, the research and the product teams, you will bridge the gap between organisational strategy and technical execution, growing our data science portfolio and helping the product team interface effectively with the wider business.
You will lead on technical responses for new business, oversee our data science QA processes, and mentor a talented team of data scientists to deliver on BIT’s strategy.
Crucially, you will also contribute to BIT’s AI roadmap alongside other leaders.
This includes transforming internal workflows for our researchers and data scientists, embedding AI across our research processes, and building innovative, AI-enabled research capabilities—recognising that while BIT is not a pure AI product company, agentic tools open powerful new possibilities for social impact.
For example, we’ve already deployed AI-driven conversational tools to conduct qualitative interviews at scale and harnessed natural language processing for thematic analysis to draw rapid, meaningful insights from vast numbers of transcripts.
Above all, BIT is a genuinely exciting place to work.
Across our global offices, you’ll collaborate with world-leading behavioural scientists, policy specialists, methods experts and innovators who are passionate about leveraging data, evidence, and emerging technology to solve complex real-world challenges.
What you will be doing: As the Head of Data Science, your core responsibilities will include: Strategic
Leadership: Working with the Group Director of Research and data scientists to design and execute a data science strategy for BIT.
This includes ensuring our data science offer remains robust and cutting-edge, our specialists have the right support and development opportunities and we recruit and retain the right talent to deliver on our research and organisational strategy.
Business Development
Hiring: Head of Data Science employer: BIT
BIT is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where you can lead innovative data science initiatives that drive social impact. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor a talented team while working alongside world-leading experts in behavioural science and policy. Located in the UK, BIT provides flexible working arrangements and fosters a culture of support and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those passionate about leveraging data and technology for meaningful change.
