Senior Data Scientist

Senior Data Scientist

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
National Physical Laboratory

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Transform complex data into actionable insights that shape telecoms research and testing.
  • Company: Join UKTL, a leader in strengthening the UK's telecoms ecosystem.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options, great work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's telecoms infrastructure and cybersecurity.
  • Qualifications: Experience with large datasets, machine learning, and programming languages like Python or R.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

At UKTL, you’ll be part of a team strengthening the UK’s telecoms ecosystem through cutting-edge testing, research, and innovation. As a Senior Data Scientist, you’ll play a key role in supporting and collaborating with our Test and Research teams, turning complex data into meaningful insights that influence real-world decisions. This is your opportunity to work at the intersection of telecoms, cybersecurity, and national infrastructure, contributing to work that genuinely matters.

Your impact:

  • Dive into telecoms systems, technologies, and infrastructure, exploring how they operate and where improvements can be made.
  • Turn complex datasets into clear, actionable insights that shape research and testing priorities.
  • Work closely with test and research teams to solve challenges using data-driven approaches.
  • Create reports, dashboards, and presentations that communicate insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Contribute to system development, operational improvements, and wider strategic initiatives.
  • Stay on top of industry trends, cybersecurity developments, and regulatory changes.
  • Build analytical tools and outputs that support investigations and decision-making.
  • Continuously refine data and insights to ensure they remain accurate, relevant, and valuable.

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Solihull, Birmingham at least twice a week. We strive to offer a great work-life balance – if you are looking for full-time, part-time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

What you’ll bring:

  • Confidence working with large, complex datasets to uncover patterns and insights.
  • Understanding of cybersecurity concepts, including threat actors and TTPs.
  • Experience in data preparation – collecting, cleaning, and structuring data from multiple sources.
  • Knowledge of machine learning and modelling, with the ability to build predictive or automated solutions.
  • Strong data exploration skills, with a curiosity for identifying trends, anomalies, and opportunities.
  • Ability to translate technical findings into clear, meaningful insights.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R or Julia.

How you’ll work:

  • You’re a critical thinker and problem solver who enjoys tackling complex challenges.
  • You handle sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
  • You take ownership of your work and show initiative.
  • You have a strong attention to detail and care about quality.
  • You communicate confidently and collaborate well across multidisciplinary teams.
  • You’re organised and able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • You build strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Why this role is for you:

  • You’ll contribute to work that strengthens the UK's telecoms infrastructure and security.
  • You’ll collaborate with experts across testing, research, and cyber resilience.
  • You’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation making a real impact.
  • You’ll work in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment with opportunities to grow and develop.

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical. We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.

Senior Data Scientist employer: National Physical Laboratory

The National Physical Laboratory in Teddington is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. With a focus on cutting-edge research in power systems, employees benefit from opportunities to develop their skills in a collaborative environment, while enjoying the advantages of working in a prestigious institution dedicated to advancing measurement methods for electricity grid monitoring.

National Physical Laboratory

Contact Details:

National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Data Scientist

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at UKTL on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. This insider info can give us a leg up!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your skills in data preparation and machine learning can solve real-world problems in telecoms. We want to show that we can turn complex datasets into actionable insights that matter.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on explaining technical concepts in simple terms, so we can impress both technical and non-technical audiences during the real deal.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the UK's telecoms ecosystem.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Scientist

Data Analysis
Cybersecurity Concepts
Data Preparation
Machine Learning
Predictive Modelling
Programming in Python
Programming in R

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Data Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with large datasets and any machine learning projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can turn complex data into actionable insights, so don’t hold back!

Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for the Senior Data Scientist role. Mention specific experiences that relate to telecoms, cybersecurity, or any relevant projects. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the position and understand what we do.

Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! When you describe your past work, keep it straightforward and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, your application might be read by both technical and non-technical folks, so make it easy for everyone to understand your impact.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our team and culture.

How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory

Know Your Data Inside Out

As a Senior Data Scientist, you'll be working with complex datasets. Make sure you understand the data you'll be discussing in the interview. Familiarise yourself with common data preparation techniques and be ready to explain how you've used them in past projects.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex challenges using data-driven approaches. Think about specific instances where your insights led to significant improvements or decisions. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

You'll need to translate technical findings into clear insights for various audiences. Practice explaining your past work in simple terms, focusing on the impact of your findings. This will show that you can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Stay Updated on Industry Trends

Research current trends in telecoms and cybersecurity before your interview. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the field and your commitment to continuous learning.