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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI and machine learning projects that transform the rail industry.
- Company: Join RSSB, a leader in railway standards and innovation.
- Benefits: 30 days leave, private healthcare, flexible working, and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while mentoring a talented team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in ML solutions, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join RSSB as Principal Data Scientist and lead the delivery of AI and machine learning solutions that make a real impact across the rail industry. In this senior role you’ll identify high-value opportunities, engage stakeholders and ensure our digital products solve real-world challenges. You’ll mentor and develop the team, champion best practices and represent RSSB’s Data Science and AI capability across the sector. You’ll drive innovation by introducing new tools and frameworks, inspiring a culture of continuous improvement and experimentation. Success will be measured by the delivery of high-impact solutions, stakeholder satisfaction and the growth of the team.
This is a permanent role based at the RSSB office in Fenchurch Avenue with hybrid-office days in the City of London, supported by a commuting travel subsidy benefit. The close date for the role is 11 December 2025.
Responsibilities
- Promote RSSB’s Data Science and AI capabilities internally and externally, positioning the team as a trusted partner and thought leader.
- Identify and prioritise opportunities for AI-enabled digital solutions by engaging with external partners and internal subject matter experts.
- Lead the team in navigating complex, ambiguous and novel challenges, making informed decisions in situations with incomplete information.
- Drive the development and delivery of ML and AI solutions, acting as technical lead and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Foster a culture of adaptability and resilience, ensuring the team thrives in a rapidly evolving environment.
- Contribute to team strategy and the development and implementation of policy processes, standards and guidelines.
Qualifications
- Proven practical experience in stakeholder engagement to understand pain points and resolve them using data and advanced analytics.
- Extensive experience developing production ML (and AI) solutions in Python using code repositories.
- Demonstrated experience deploying, testing and monitoring ML solutions.
- Proven experience leading development teams using Agile methodologies and tools.
- Experience working with subject matter experts to refine analyses and interpret insights.
- Experience collaborating with architects, data engineers and web developers to deliver cloud-based tools.
- Experience managing and mentoring less experienced colleagues, providing guidance on development activities and upskilling in technical and soft skills.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to explain complex ideas to diverse audiences.
- Ability to adapt and respond effectively to new opportunities, change and uncertainty.
- Commitment to customer service and delivering outcomes that meet stakeholder needs.
- Inclusive leadership style with a focus on developing and retaining talent and ensuring all voices are heard.
- Experience managing teams to budgets and project timelines.
- Ability to define and track success metrics for digital solutions.
Why Join RSSB
We value our people and offer a competitive benefits package including:
- 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Private medical and dental cover
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Season ticket loan and travel subsidy
- Cycle to work scheme
- Volunteer leave
- Performance-related bonus
- Pension scheme
- Learning and development opportunities
Ready to Apply
Apply now and help us shape the future of railway standards. We value diversity and equal opportunities in employment and are committed to creating a workplace which is inclusive to everyone. As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we encourage candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria to apply for our jobs. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme please let us know in advance by emailing.
We understand the importance of work-life balance and we offer our staff the flexibility to work within our core hours and the option to vary their location between both the office and home. If you are looking for further flexibility, speak to us at interview stage so that we can consider your request.
Principal Data Scientist employer: Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited
Contact Detail:
Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Data Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your AI and machine learning projects. This is your chance to demonstrate what you can do, so make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to data science. Think about how you can explain complex ideas simply, as you'll need to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at RSSB.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Data Scientist role. Highlight your experience with AI and machine learning solutions, and how you've engaged stakeholders in the past. We want to see how you can make a real impact!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on detailing your technical expertise! Mention your experience with Python, ML solutions, and any tools or frameworks you've introduced. We love seeing candidates who can drive innovation and adapt to new challenges.
Engage with Our Values: Familiarise yourself with our commitment to diversity and inclusion. In your application, reflect on how you’ve fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles. We value leaders who ensure all voices are heard!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at RSSB!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your machine learning and AI knowledge, especially in Python. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled complex problems. This role is all about delivering high-impact solutions, so be prepared to showcase your experience in developing production ML solutions.
✨Engage Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is key for this position, think of examples where you've successfully identified pain points and resolved them using data. Practice explaining these scenarios clearly, as effective communication is crucial for this role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Data Scientist, you'll be mentoring and leading a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed less experienced colleagues in the past. Highlight any experience you have with Agile methodologies, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Adaptable
This role requires a culture of adaptability and resilience. Think of times when you've had to pivot or respond to new opportunities. Share how you fostered a positive environment during change, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving setting.
