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Lead data scientist
Band 8a · Data scientist ·
560 job evaluation points
UK GDaD PCF level: Lead data scientist
Most often performed at Civil Service grade G7 or G6.
A lead data scientist is a leader, coach, and champion of data science. They have responsibility for managing and developing teams, building organisational capability, and setting and communicating direction.
At this role level, you will:
have experience in identifying opportunities to deploy extensive knowledge of data science techniques, and in challenging the status quo
design and implement scalable data science outputs and products, driving collaboration with others in support of organisational objectives
select the most appropriate tools and technologies
identify opportunities to develop statistical insight, reports and models to support organisational objectives, while collaborating across the organisation effectively
critique statistical analyses
use a variety of data analytics techniques (such as data mining and prescriptive and predictive analytics) for complex data analysis through the whole data life cycle
use model outputs to produce evidence and help design services and policies
understand a broad range of statistical tools, particularly those deployed within the organisation, and can use these appropriately and help others to use them
help to identify the data engineering requirements for any data science product, while working with data engineers and data scientists to design and deliver those products into the organisation effectively
understand the need to cleanse and prepare data before including it in data science products and can put reusable processes and checks in place
understand a broad range of architectures, including cloud and on-premise, and data manipulation and transformation tools deployed within the organisation, and can use these tools appropriately and help others use them
demonstrate in-depth knowledge of data science tools and techniques, which you can use to solve problems creatively and to create opportunities for your team
act as a coach, inspiring curiosity and creativity in others
demonstrate in-depth knowledge of your chosen profession and keep up to date with changes in the industry
challenge the status quo and always look for ways to improve data science
champion the role of data science within the organisation
understand and champion user research, and can design and manage processes to gather and establish user needs
identify and create opportunities to develop and deliver data science products to support organisational objectives, while collaborating across the organisation to fulfil meaningful goals
take responsibility for delivering scalable data science products into the organisation, and establishing maintenance support
act as a leader or technical specialist, providing detailed support and guidance within the organisation and helping colleagues to develop skills
set the direction of CPD (continuous professional development) within your team
keep up to date with new developments in data science and can match those to opportunities in your organisation
talk confidently about the benefits of data science approaches to existing and potential customers
demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a wide range of data science techniques, such as machine learning and natural language processing, and detailed knowledge of at least one specialism
use these techniques to build data science solutions, including reports, models and dashboards
Gives highly complex or contentious information needing developed persuasion and negotiation, presents to large groups, or communicates where there are significant barriers to acceptance.
Occasional unpleasant conditions, frequent travel or outdoor work, or near-continuous screen use on most days.
7
Total (Band 8a: 540 to 584)
560
The UK GDaD PCF suggests both lead data scientist and head of data science at G7 or G6. This reference places lead at Band 8a and head at Band 8b, so the two levels sit in different bands.
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