Overview
Data science at Ofgem is not abstract research. It helps us understand energy markets, monitor supplier performance, assess risks to consumers, and support decisions that affect households and businesses across Great Britain. As the energy system becomes more complex, Ofgem needs data scientists who can turn complex, imperfect and fast‑moving data into insight, evidence and practical tools that improve regulation. Within the Digital, Data and Security Services (DDSS) directorate, we are building a stronger Data & AI capability for Ofgem: improving how we use data, developing reusable analytical products, and applying data science and AI safely to priority regulatory and operational challenges.
Responsibilities
- Designing, developing and delivering data science solutions that provide clear evidence, support decisions and can be reused or maintained over time.
- Applying statistical, machine learning and analytical techniques where appropriate, and explaining the strengths, limitations and assumptions of the approach.
- Working with incomplete, complex or inconsistent data, and applying appropriate quality checks to produce reliable, reproducible and well‑documented outputs.
- Working with policy, operational and technical colleagues to understand the decision or problem, test whether data science is the right approach, and translate needs into practical analytical solutions.
- Communicating findings clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences through visualisations, presentations and reporting.
- Collaborating with data engineers, analysts and delivery teams to ensure solutions are scalable, maintainable and aligned with organisational standards.
- Applying responsible AI, ethical, privacy and security considerations throughout the data science lifecycle, including model explainability, bias, proportionality and appropriate governance.
- Using modern tools and platforms, including Python and Azure‑based technologies, to develop, test, document and, where appropriate, deploy analytical products.
- Identifying and implementing improvements to tools, processes and methods, contributing to continuous improvement in data science capability.
Qualifications
- Experience developing and delivering data science or advanced analytical solutions that have informed decisions, improved services or supported measurable outcomes.
- Strong knowledge of statistical methods and machine learning techniques, with the judgement to select proportionate methods and explain their assumptions, limitations and risks.
- Practical experience using Python or similar languages to build reproducible analysis, models or data science workflows, ideally using cloud‑based data platforms such as Azure.
- Ability to work with complex, messy or incomplete datasets, including data preparation, feature engineering, quality assessment, modelling and validation.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical work clearly to non‑specialists and provide advice that supports confident decision‑making.
- Understanding of responsible AI, data ethics, privacy, security and governance considerations in applied data science.
- Experience working with analysts, engineers, product or delivery colleagues, or subject matter experts to turn analytical ideas into usable products or services.
- Experience working in agile environments, and familiarity with user‑centred design approaches, would be beneficial.
- Demonstrated experience in developing data science solutions that enable organisations to achieve their goals.
- Demonstrated experience applying AI and data science tools and techniques, particularly those used at Ofgem.
- Ability to collaborate with data engineers and scientists, and delivery teams to source, clean and prepare data appropriately.
- Ability to write programs and scripts, optimising code and testing products.
- Evidence of commitment to develop your own skill set.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of delivering in an agile, iterative manner that delivers value early.
- Experience of understanding the role of user research and establishing user needs.
Behaviours
- Changing and improving.
- Communicating and influencing.
- Delivering at pace.
Benefits
Ofgem can offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:
- 30 days annual leave after 2 years of employment.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- The opportunity to join the generous Civil Service pension scheme, with a contribution towards membership.
- Hybrid working, with the possibility of working from home and flexible working hours.
- Family‑friendly policies.
- Access to clean and bright offices based centrally.
Salary: £35,232 per year. OFGEM contributes £10,206 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
