Job Description
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of data science, research and public policy. Advanced Analytics is hiring a Senior Data Scientist to develop machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, with a focus on robust prototyping. We have pioneered the application of new analytical approaches in the Bank of England, such as generative AI, machine learning, natural language processing, agent-based models, network analytics, and randomised control trials. We’re looking for someone with ML/AI expertise to help us continue pushing the organisation’s analytical frontier to inform policymaking.
DAT is leading the transformation of the Bank’s use of data and analytics in order to make the most of the revolutionary opportunities brought about by technological progress and the explosion of the quantity, detail and variety of the data available. The directorate is responsible for the delivery of the Bank’s Data & Analytics (D&A) Strategy, including moving the Bank’s data and running its analytical processes on the cloud, strengthening how we acquire and share data externally, rolling out artificial intelligence tools, and delivering a data and AI literacy agenda for all roles.
Advanced Analytics (AA)
AA is a centre of excellence in data science. It supports all areas of the Bank to make the best use of cutting-edge techniques to get the most out of the data at the Bank’s disposal and broaden the range of analytical and methodological approaches used to inform policy and our operational needs. Its outputs include academic research, rigorous investigations into issues relevant to the Bank, shorter pieces of collaboration aimed at answering specific business needs and optimised AI tools. In recent years AA has been heavily involved in the drive to enable the Bank to make the most of the opportunities supplied by the incredible growth of power of generative AI.
The varied work is reflected in a team with a wide range of backgrounds. The division’s philosophy is to combine analytical excellence with open minds focusing on what is needed to deliver the Bank’s mission. The range of roles, the nature of the work and the diverse background of AA’s staff make it an exceptionally stimulating and exciting team to be part of.
Responsibilities of the successful candidate
You will have the opportunity to:
- Work collaboratively across the Bank to identify and deliver innovative capabilities that improve insight, efficiency and the accuracy of decisions
- Learn new skills and acquire new knowledge by keeping abreast of state-of-the-art developments in academia and industry, and apply these on the job
- Advise the directorate’s management team, providing insight on how to implement a Bank-wide AI strategy
- Mentor and train less experienced staff on machine learning/AI without the admin of direct line management
- Work with the division’s data scientists and managers to quality check outputs, offering feedback on colleagues’ code and analysis, assuring that ethical, security, institutional and programming standards are adhered to.
Role Requirements
Minimum Criteria
- Deep knowledge of data science and statistical methods including supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement and deep learning: an understanding of different techniques’ strengths, limitations and when to use which modelling approach
- Clear understanding of the computational implications of models for working with data engineers and technologists to scale them on parallel and distributed platforms
- Highly proficient in writing code in scripting languages such as Python and R, and familiarity with their data science libraries and packages
Essential Criteria
- Good at presenting complex concepts in clear (but not over-simplified) terms to non-technical audiences
- An eye for seeing how advances in the academic literature or applications in other industries can be translated to Bank use-cases
- Someone who can spot commonalities and drive re-use of models and code across different parts of the organisation
Desirable Criteria
- Understanding how to build data science capabilities on Azure and Databricks.
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The Bank values diversity and inclusion – we want to reflect the society we serve better, we want the best people to work for us and we want our workplace to be inclusive. We value all forms of diversity, including but not limited to age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion and sexual orientation. One way we support diversity and inclusion is through our staff run networks.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive working environment, and are open to considering how the role might be carried out with flexible working. This role is therefore open to job shares, flexible and part time working patterns.
As part of our commitment to expand our presence across the UK, this role can be based in either our London or Leeds office. Should you wish to work from one of our hubs (Cardiff/Newcastle/Glasgow/Belfast), you will need to confirm that this is possible with the hiring manager before applying.
Where a role can be carried out from home, we are working towards colleagues spending at least half of their time in the office, so that we can all benefit from working together in person, while maintaining the flexibility offered by home working. We expect colleagues to spend a minimum of 40% of their working time in the office per month. Subject to that minimum requirement, individuals and managers should work together to find what works best for them and their team.
We are also committed to making adjustments for candidates and employees where possible and have partnered with external expert organisations to support us in this. We are a member of the Disability Confident Scheme ,
IMPORTANT: For those who wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and indicate whether you wish for all existing and future applications to be made under this scheme, please navigate to OBS and Under Me > Document Records > Add > Disability Confident Scheme and select yes/no.
We anonymise applications, so hiring managers will not be able to see your personal information on your CV when reviewing your submission at the initial application screening stage
For further information or an informal discussion on the role, please contact: Paul Robinson.
This role closes on Thursday 16th July at 11.59pm
The ‘Reference Point Group’ for this role is Central Banking Grade E. Further information can be found here - Understanding the Bank’s approach to pay (sharepoint.com)
Please apply online, ensuring that you stop and complete your profile in OBS, then answer the application questions, complete the work history and submit your CV and most recent Performance Review/PRS (note: PRS is optional).
