Principal Data Scientist
Job summary
The Principal Data Scientists demand exceptional expertise and practical experience in machine learning, statistical analysis, and fraud detection. They must possess excellent communication and collaboration skills and be experts in detecting fraud using statistical methods and disseminating all products, including fraud detection models, into a stable production environment. They'll drive innovation, develop, control, and produce models in a rapidly changing environment while being accountable for assuring and quantifying the value of all analytical enquiry and modelling within the programme of work. They'll play a critical role in managing a team, driving strategic planning, identifying opportunities to leverage data, defining project roadmaps, and achieving financial targets.
The successful candidates will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing solutions relating to model development, application, optimisation, and governance. At the same time, collaborating with different functions and domain experts across the NHS and wider government landscape.
The Principal Data Scientists will embed advanced analytics into the core of the organisation, aligning data science initiatives with NHSCFA goals. They will be accountable for impactful outcomes, emphasising the responsibility and results-driven nature of the role.
Role is subject to NPP Vetting
For informal enquiries please contact Susan Proctor , Data Science Manager susan.proctor@nhscfa.gov.uk
Main duties of the job
Be responsible for the designing, development, implementation, and optimisation of all models through NHSCFA Management Groups to the Head of Advanced Data Analytics.
Supporting the development of appropriate management, leadership skillsand knowledge to underpin effective performance management, including techniques used within the data science framework and delivery of knowledge at all levels within the organisations.
Quantify value of analytical enquiry and modelling to demonstrate RoI.
Manage a team as described in the Structure.
Working closely with the wider operational management, analytics, advanced analytics, and IT teams to support development of appropriate data science models, approaches and products used in the portfolio of work.
Being an expert within the Data Science domain for counter fraud activities involving all advanced analytical techniques for the portfolio of work and translating into areas of agreed focus.
Assessing tools, techniques, approaches, and systems associated with the project Athena E.g., Tooling, Algorithm selection, data transformation and sampling approach applied in the analytical environment.
Explaining and demonstrating intricate approaches involving mathematical inference and their complex iterations and methods to all levels of leadership and stakeholders where required using a range of approaches e.g., presentations, reports, demonstrations and if required hand calculations.
Please see Job Description
About us
We have offices based in Coventry, Newcastle and London and also offer flexible and home based working. The NHSCFA values and respects the diversity of its employees, and aims to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including an invitation to the first stage of the selection process and consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability. If you are applying to undertake this role on a secondment basis you should have agreement to being released from your current role in principle, prior to submitting an application form. When you apply for this role you will be redirected to our recruitment system TRAC. Please apply without delay as reserve the right to close any vacancies from further submissions when we have received sufficient applications from which to make a shortlist. The CFA does not hold a sponsor licence in respect of skilled worker visas and so is unable to employ candidates requiring sponsorship.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see Job Description and Person Specification
Be responsible for the designing, development, implementation, and optimisation of all models through NHSCFA Management Groups to the Head of Advanced Data Analytics.
Supporting the development of appropriate management, leadership skillsand knowledge to underpin effective performance management, including techniques used within the data science framework and delivery of knowledge at all levels within the organisations.
Working closely with the wider operational management, analytics, advanced analytics, and IT teams to support development of appropriate data science models, approaches and products used in the portfolio of work.
Person Specification
PS
- oSignificant experience in managing a data science team, from project design, control and implementation to guidance, leadership, and direction of the team.
- oProven practical experience in fraud detection methods using data including the implementation of statistical modelling and methods into a live production environment
- oPractical experience in designing algorithms, using statistical and problem centric methods to design actionable outcome across a variety of data types.
- oExtensive practical experience in data science including the implementation of statistical modelling in a real-world environment
- oExperience and strong proficiency in programming languages for data science, e.g., SQL, R and Python alongside the ability to use tools and packages such as Alteryx, Jupyter notebook, R Markdown, TensorFlow, Keras, Pytorch, Apache Spark etc.
- oPractical proficiency in producing reproducible code and pipelines including documentation, governance and assurance frameworks, automation and code review using tools such as Git.
- oExpert in the art of visualisation including best practice techniques and demonstrable experience in communicating statistical output to stakeholders
- oStrong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyse large and complex datasets, extract meaningful insights, and derive actionable recommendations to drive business outcomes.
- oPractical experience in model development and production and the alignment with model governance, business, and regulatory standards.
- oMaster's degree, in numerate subject or equivalent experience/learning developed in a similar role (e.g., Mathematical, Data Science, Computer Science, Physics, or related discipline).
- Advanced knowledge and practical experience of developing and implementing generative AI models involving NLP across both open and closed large language models. Domain knowledge of key NHSCFA thematic areas and corresponding datasets across the NHS, wider public sector and beyond.
- Extensive understand of the NHS data landscape and how the various sources can be used to identify fraudulent activity. Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist or member of Government Counter fraud Profession
- MSP Practitioner / PRINCE 2 Practitioner or equivalent experience
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
NHS Counter Fraud Authority
Address
City Gate
Gallowgate
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 4HW
https://cfa.nhs.uk/
- Company
- NHS Counter Fraud Authority
- Location
- Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom NE1 4HW
Hybrid / WFH Options - Employment Type
- Fixed-Term
- Salary
- £70417.00 - £81138.00 a year
- Posted
- Company
- NHS Counter Fraud Authority
- Location
- Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom NE1 4HW
Hybrid / WFH Options - Employment Type
- Fixed-Term
- Salary
- £70417.00 - £81138.00 a year
- Posted