At a Glance
- Tasks: Use advanced analytics to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities.
- Company: Join Northumberland County Council, a visionary employer committed to community well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through data-driven insights.
- Qualifications: Experience in Python, SQL, and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
We are seeking an innovative and skilled Data Scientist to harness advanced analytics to improve population health outcomes and reduce inequalities. With a particular focus on people experiencing multiple disadvantage and improving outcomes through a Best Start in Life approach, the role will explore the complex interactions between health, social, economic and environmental factors to identify unmet need, predict risk and support targeted action across the life course.
The postholder will apply a range of advanced data science techniques, including predictive modelling, machine learning, population segmentation, risk stratification and geospatial analytics, to derive insights from complex linked datasets. They will use these methods to identify patterns of need, predict risk, understand inequalities and uncover opportunities for targeted intervention. The role will develop actionable intelligence to support a Communities First approach to Population Health Management, translating complex analysis into clear and meaningful insights for decision makers. This intelligence will inform strategic planning, strengthen prevention and early intervention, support more effective targeting of resources, and drive measurable improvements in outcomes for children, families and communities experiencing the greatest inequalities. This post is a 2 year fixed term contract.
Requirements of the job:
- You will join a central data team and have access to modern tools via the Microsoft Fabric platform.
- Working alongside data engineers, you will use Python, SQL, Power BI and geospatial tools to create maintainable analytical products and generate actionable insight from complex data.
- We are looking for someone who can deliver data science work from initial problem definition through to modelling, evaluation and clear recommendations.
- Apply strong statistical and analytical skills to complex, sensitive and sometimes incomplete datasets.
- Have experience writing Python and SQL to prepare data, develop models and create reproducible analysis.
- Communicate complex findings, uncertainty and risk clearly to senior leaders, operational teams and other non-technical audiences.
- Work collaboratively across services and partner organisations, applying data ethics, privacy and governance throughout delivery.
Northumberland County Council’s (NCC) vision is ‘Land of Great Opportunities’, for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.
Why choose us?
- 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees).
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees).
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.
Data Scientist employer: Northumberland County Council
Northumberland County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the council offers generous benefits such as 26 days of annual leave, automatic enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme, and opportunities for professional development. Working at County Hall in Morpeth, you will be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and community impact, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while making a meaningful difference.
Contact Details:
Northumberland County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist
✨Tap into Online Data Science Communities
Join online communities focused on data science like Kaggle, LinkedIn groups, or Reddit threads. These are goldmines for temporary gigs, as you can network with professionals and potentially hear about opportunities at companies like Northumberland County Council before they're even advertised!
✨Show Off Your Skills With Projects
Got some cool data science projects? Showcase them on platforms like GitHub or create a personal portfolio website. This visibility is crucial for landing temporary roles—let recruiters see your actual skills in action, which can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Check Out Specialist Job Boards
For temp roles, hit up job boards dedicated to tech and data science, like Stack Overflow Jobs or DataJobs. These platforms often feature openings that you won’t find on general job sites, including contracts with companies like Northumberland County Council.
✨Leverage University Resources
If you're currently at uni or recently graduated, tap into your school's career services. They often have connections with companies looking for temporary data science interns or contract workers, and they might even host job fairs with employers like Northumberland County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Data Projects:When applying for a temporary data science role at Northumberland County Council, make sure to showcase any relevant projects you've worked on. Whether it's a personal project, an academic undertaking, or contributions to an open-source initiative, detailing these experiences can really set you apart and demonstrate your practical skills.
Emphasise Your Analytical Skills:In your CV and cover letter, focus on the specific analytical skills that are key to data science. Mention any experience with statistical tools, programming languages like Python or R, and data visualisation software. Don't forget to include any certifications that may bolster your expertise!
Show Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, it's important to convey your adaptability and willingness to learn. In your cover letter to Northumberland County Council, emphasise how quickly you can get up to speed with new tools or projects. Highlight any previous experiences where you've had to adjust to new environments or challenges.
Craft a Unique Data-Driven Cover Letter:Instead of the usual generic cover letter, spice it up with some data! Maybe you’ve improved a process by 20% in a past role or cleaned a dataset with over a million entries. Use these stats to your advantage to grab Northumberland County Council’s attention and show the tangible impact of your work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland County Council
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
For a data science gig, it's crucial to demonstrate your analytical abilities. Be ready to discuss previous projects and the methodologies you used. Think about how you can quantify your impact—did your analysis improve efficiency or save costs? These are the stories that will stick with interviewers at Northumberland County Council.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
You might face technical questions on tools relevant to data science, like Python, R, or SQL. Prepare to solve a problem live—perhaps they'll ask you to write a simple query or code snippet. It’s cool to talk about them, but we need to show we can do it in practice, especially in a temporary role where quick results matter.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new tools or workflows. Share examples of how you've thrived in fast-paced environments before, and how you can hit the ground running at Northumberland County Council.
✨Prepare a Portfolio of Your Work
Bring your portfolio to the table—showcase projects where you've leveraged data science techniques to solve problems. Whether it’s a GitHub repository or a set of case studies, having tangible examples of your work will help you stand out and show what you bring to the team at Northumberland County Council.
