At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of data scientists to innovate and exploit data for critical customer platforms.
- Company: Join BT, a leader in cybersecurity, protecting millions daily.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible benefits, and world-class training opportunities.
- Other info: Onsite role with excellent career growth and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong programming skills in Python/Scala and knowledge of AI/machine learning techniques.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Due to the sensitive nature of this role, you will be required to undergo DV (Developed Vetting) level Security Clearance. An allowance of £5k per annum may be payable monthly while you hold this DV and continue to work in a role that requires that level of security clearance. The terms of this allowance will be made available if you are successful in being recruited into this role.
Security isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BT, but when it comes to keeping everyone safely connected, We Are The Protectors. We deal with thousands of cyber-attacks every day, so that millions of people can safely go about their daily lives and run their businesses. We deliver vital work at scale, with real breadth and impact. We connect for good.
You'll be joining a specialist security team that is a trusted partner to governments worldwide, protecting critical national infrastructure and committed to the safety and security of our nation and global communities. Our mission focused work is innovative, inspiring and technologically challenging in a way that makes every day different and stimulating. We provide the opportunity to work on rare projects, with exciting tools and brilliant people. Everyone has access to unparalleled professional and personal development opportunities and your contribution is always valued.
Why this job matters
This role sits within BT’s Security Division and is responsible for maturing the data science capability, acting as a leader for how we exploit the value in our data. The successful candidate will play a key part in building internal expertise and delivering innovative solutions to meet both internal and customer requirements. The role holder will lead and develop an agile team of data scientists across multiple projects. In addition to technical delivery, the role has a strategic dimension—identifying high-impact opportunities and engaging across the wider organisation.
This job role can be based in Manchester, Ipswich, Cheltenham. Onsite (office based 5 days per week). Monday‑Friday 37.5 hours per week. You will need to be eligible to obtain DV Security Clearance before starting this role. You will need to have lived in the UK for 10+ years to be eligible.
What you’ll be doing
- Supports the exploitation of data on critical customer platforms.
- Mentors other Data Science & AI professionals, helping to improve the team’s abilities by acting as a technical resource.
- Coordinates the development and implementation of custom data models, intelligent algorithms, and AI solutions to apply to data sets.
- Pursue new opportunities to utilise data science/machine learning for improved outcomes.
- Champions, continuously develops and shares with team knowledge on emerging trends and changes in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Essential Skills
- Data Analysis
- Programming
- Scripting
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
- Statistical Analysis
What we’d like to see on your CV
- Strong skills with compiled and interpreted languages such as Python and Scala.
- Understanding of graphs, networks, time‑series modelling, numerical algorithms and geospatial analytics.
- Understanding of machine learning techniques and frameworks such as scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.
- Basic DevOps and system level Linux skills – confident with SSH and shell scripting, cron, package management.
- Familiar with version control and a mix of development environments.
- Highly experienced with compiled and interpreted languages such as Python and Scala/Java, confident with common libraries like Pandas, NumPy.
- Understanding and detecting threats in network data.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 10% on‑target bonus (depending on country based)
- BT Pension scheme, minimum 5% Employee contribution, BT contribution 10%
- On‑call allowance (depending on the requirements of the role)
- 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with service
- Huge range of flexible benefits including cycle to work, healthcare, season ticket loan
- World‑class training and development opportunities
- From January 2025, equal family leave: receive 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate. It’s for all parents, no matter how your family is made up.
- Enhanced women’s health support: including help with menopause symptoms, cancer screenings, period care and more.
- 24/7 private virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues
- 2 weeks paid carer’s leave
- Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes.
- Discounted broadband, mobile and TV packages
- Access to hundreds of retail discounts including the BT shop
Data Science Specialist employer: BT Business
BT is an exceptional employer, particularly for those in the Data Science Specialist role, offering a dynamic work environment in locations like Manchester, Ipswich, and Cheltenham. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from world-class training opportunities, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous family leave and health support. The culture at BT fosters innovation and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to contribute to critical national security projects while working alongside talented professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Science Specialist
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like BT Business!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Data Science Specialist at BT Business.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like BT Business.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Data Science Specialist at BT Business, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Science Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at BT Business, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at BT Business. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at BT Business
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at BT Business!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
