At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data exploration and engineering to shape impactful digital services.
- Company: Join a high-profile public sector organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Earn £560/day, work remotely, and enjoy potential extensions until 2026.
- Other info: Must be a UK National with 5+ years continuous residency.
- Why this job: Influence real-world decisions through modern dashboards and collaborative Agile teams.
- Qualifications: Experience with Palantir, Python, PySpark, and data engineering concepts is essential.
You will require Palantir (FDP) experience as well as UK Citizenship to apply. I'm currently looking for an experienced Data Scientist with strong Data Engineering capability to join a high-profile public sector organisation working on a major digital screening programme. This is a genuinely impactful piece of work where you'll be shaping how data is used to drive decisions through modern dashboards and reporting products.
What you'll be doing:
- Working as part of an Agile, multidisciplinary team, taking ownership of data exploration and engineering to support new digital services.
- Leading exploratory data analysis to understand datasets and inform product decisions.
- Defining dashboard requirements and determining what good looks like from a reporting perspective.
- Designing and building data pipelines and datasets for dashboards.
- Identifying and mitigating data quality risks.
- Developing reusable code in Python and PySpark for data prep and analysis.
- Collaborating closely with Data Engineers, Analysts and UCD professionals.
- Working within modern engineering practices including CI/CD, TDD and DevSecOps.
- Pair programming and contributing to a strong engineering culture.
What I need from you (essential):
- Palantir (FDP)
- Python
- PySpark
- Exploratory Data Analysis
- Data pipeline design/data engineering concepts
- Dashboard/reporting dataset development
- BI tools (Redshift, Databricks or similar)
- Agile delivery environments
If these technologies aren’t clearly visible on your CV, you’re unlikely to be shortlisted - so please make sure they are easy to find before applying.
Nice to have (not essential):
- Experience within a wider public sector data environment
- Exposure to screening or clinical datasets
What this role IS:
- A hands-on data role blending Data Science and Engineering.
- A chance to influence real-world digital services.
- A collaborative Agile environment working with strong technical teams.
- A role where you’ll own problems and drive solutions.
What this role ISN'T:
- Not a purely academic Data Science position.
- Not a reporting-only/BA-style role.
- Not a role where you’ll just “pick up tickets” with no ownership.
- Not suitable if your experience is light on Python, PySpark or Palantir.
Key Details:
- £560 per day (Inside IR35)
- Start ASAP
- Running until November 2026 (extensions very likely)
- Remote with occasional travel to London
- Must be a UK National with 5+ years continuous UK residency
Next Steps:
If this aligns with your experience, send me your CV and make sure it clearly highlights the key skills in bold above - that will help fast-track your application. If it looks like a strong match, I’ll be in touch quickly to discuss next steps.
Data Scientist (Palantir/FDP essential) in London employer: HAYS Specialist Recruitment
Join a high-profile public sector organisation as a Data Scientist, where your expertise in Palantir and data engineering will directly impact the development of innovative digital services. Enjoy a collaborative Agile work culture that fosters professional growth and encourages ownership of projects, all while working remotely with occasional travel to London. With competitive pay and the opportunity to influence real-world outcomes, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding career path for those passionate about data-driven decision-making.
Contact Details:
HAYS Specialist Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist (Palantir/FDP essential) in London
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Public Portfolio
As a freelancer in data science, having a killer portfolio is essential. Showcase your projects on platforms like GitHub or create a personal website that details your work and techniques. This gives potential clients a clear picture of what you can do and helps you stand out from the competition.
✨Get Involved in Data Science Communities
Tap into online forums like Kaggle or Stack Overflow. Not only can you showcase your expertise, but you can also connect with other data scientists and potential clients. Plus, participating in competitions and discussions can elevate your profile in the field.
✨Leverage Local Networking Opportunities
Keep an eye out for local data science meetups or tech events in your area. These are golden opportunities to meet potential clients and collaborators face-to-face. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of networking over pizza and drinks?
✨Pitch Your Services Directly to Companies
Don't just wait for freelancing platforms to bring clients to you—be proactive! Research companies that could benefit from data science services and craft tailored pitches. Mention specific pain points you can address for them. Let’s get that freelance hustle going!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist (Palantir/FDP essential) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Projects:When applying for a freelance data science role like Data Scientist (Palantir/FDP essential) at HAYS Specialist Recruitment, it’s crucial to highlight your projects. Include a portfolio that features at least two or three projects involving data analysis, machine learning, or visualisation. Make sure to describe the tools and methodologies you used, so we can see your skills in action!
Quantify Your Achievements:Freelance gigs, especially in data science, often ask for proven results. In your CV, include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous work. Did your analysis help reduce costs by a certain percentage? Or did your predictive model improve performance? Numbers speak volumes!
Introduce Your Style:Since freelancing is all about your individual style and approach, use your cover letter to share how you tackle data problems. This is your chance to let us know how you think, your creative problem-solving methods, and how you would approach a project at HAYS Specialist Recruitment.
Be Real About Your Rates:When you send in your application, don’t forget to mention your freelance rates and availability. We appreciate clarity up front, and it helps us gauge if you fit within our budget and timeline. Being transparent in this aspect shows professionalism and readiness!
How to prepare for a job interview at HAYS Specialist Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Data Wizardry
As a freelancer in data science, you'll want to present a portfolio that showcases your best projects. We should pull together examples where you tackled real problems with data analytics, machine learning models, or visualisations. It's all about demonstrating your skills in action!
✨Be Ready to Dive Deep into Technical Questions
Expect to encounter some technical grilling during the interview. Prepare to discuss statistical methods, algorithms, or maybe even tackle a live coding challenge. We should brush up on tools like Python, R, or SQL—those are key players in the data science field. Don't just know them; be ready to explain your thought process!
✨Help Them Understand Your Work Style
Freelance gigs often mean you'll be working independently, so we need to convey our self-motivation and time management skills. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve handled multiple projects or met tight deadlines before. Sharing your approach to client communication can also give them confidence in your ability to deliver remotely.
✨Pitch Your Value Proposition
When freelancing, it’s crucial to clearly articulate what makes you unique. We should highlight not just technical skills but also the business impact of our projects. Think of a couple of stories where your data insights drove decision-making—this can be a game changer in showing why they should choose you for their freelance needs!
