How to Apply:
Our selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential fit within our organisation.
The selection process for this role will be:
Stage 1: Sift of CV, Personal Statement and a Behaviour
Stage 2: Interview
You must be successful at each stage to progress to the next stage.
Stage 1: Sift
At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:
Behaviour you will be asked to provide a 250-word statement on the following Behaviour: Working Together.
You are also asked to provide a CV (Unlimited word count) and a Personal Statement (1250-word count). Please provide evidence of your Experience of the following:
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The application of AI and data science to improving efficiency and decision making. Including technical expertise across areas of:
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Programming: involving data cleaning, manipulation and analysis that supports institutional goals. [Noting the team primarily works in Python and SQL.]
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Analytical mindset: Using a range of data sources, analytical tools and techniques, including data interpretation, statistical uncertainty and understanding assumptions.
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Presenting outputs and analysis: including high quality data visualisations and/or interactive tools;
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Understanding the ethical considerations of potential data science approaches, and the legislation applicable in this area, e.g.: GDPR, DPA. Awareness of existing Government and other frameworks.
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Leading technical teams to deliver in a complex or cross-cutting, multi-professional / multi-functional environment.
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Taking a whole lifecycle view of data science projects, and managing the move from development to deployment, maintenance and end of life.
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Engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs and to identify opportunities for data science, machine learning and AI.
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Bringing together communities and networks, and building capability, across areas or sectors.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead Success Profile element, Behaviour - Working Together. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
The sift will take place week commencing Monday 20th July 2026.
Stage 2: Interview
At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:
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Behaviours Leadership, Working Together and Developing Self and Others
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Technical DDaT - Data Scientist - currently under the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework. You can read more about the framework here
You will also be required to create and deliver a presentation to assess one Behaviour & the Technical framework listed above. Guidance will be provided if you are invited to interview.
The interviews will take place from Wednesday 5th August 2026.
This interview will be conducted in person at our London office (33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR). Further details will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.
Please note that we will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change
Further information on the selection process
For more information about how we hire, useful tips on submitting your application and interview guidance for this role, visit the How We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.
We will also hold a 12-month reserve list for this role, which may lead to potential opportunities beyond the role you applied for. You can read more about our reserve lists here.
During your application, you should indicate which location(s) you wish to be considered for and, if successful, you will be placed on an individual list of candidates for each location. Candidates will be held on that list and drawn from it in merit order. We advise you to carefully consider which locations you wish to be considered for. If you decline an offer for a location you have expressed a preference in or have expressed an interest in more than one location and accept an offer, you will be withdrawn from any lists you may be held on. We may also offer candidates a location that they have not expressed a preference for where we have the requirement to do so but this will again be done on the basis of your place in the overall merit order and, in this event, you will not be removed from the list if you decline.
Reasonable Adjustments
As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Document Accessibility
This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert or the information on our website, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Pre-employment Checking
If your application is successful but you have been dismissed from the Civil Service, your application could be removed at the pre-employment checking stage depending on the nature of the dismissal.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
All external applicants and current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as:
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Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour
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Threats or acts of violence
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Illegal activity or substance misuse
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Sexually explicit material
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Extremist views or affiliations
Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public. Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. Its not about judging your personality or lifestyle - its about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture. If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail whats being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
