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Data Scientist

Data Scientist

  • Greater London
  • Flexible working
  • Full-time
  • Job share
  • Part-time

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  • Closing on: Jun 10 2026
  • £45,544 - £55,157
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About the job

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it's really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

With 50 million customers, over 60,000 colleagues, and more than £800 billion collected to fund UK public services, HMRC's data and digital environment is vast, complex, and full of opportunity.

The Data Science team sits within HMRC's Chief Digital & Information Office (CDIO) and delivers innovative analytical and machine learning solutions that address real operational challenges. As part of this team, you will contribute to high-impact work that directly improves HMRC's effectiveness and customer outcomes.

Job description
This is an exciting opportunity for a Data Scientist to join the Data Exploitation Team - one of four specialist Data Science teams in HMRC's technology area. The team builds innovative data science solutions that solve real business problems by exploiting HMRC's rich and complex datasets.

The vacancy sits within the Business Customer analysis team. Projects span a wide range of areas, including cross-tax data integration, entity and customer linking, development of complexity and segmentation models, and the delivery of analytical tools to support compliance and strategic decision-making.

This role enables HMRC to make better use of compliance and other underutilised data by surfacing relevant data and developing new insights through visualisation, advanced analytical methods, and innovative data extraction approaches.

You will work closely with subject matter experts and operational teams, ensuring the right data is made available and understood, to deliver high-quality compliance-related data.

You will also help scope, design, and deliver developments using project-based working techniques, while providing advice on advanced analytical techniques across HMRC and wider government.

Success in this role depends as much on judgement, prioritisation, and engagement with operational colleagues as on technical skill.

Person specification

We are looking for an experienced, proactive data scientist with a strong track record of innovation in analytical tools and techniques. You will take responsibility for developing the team's suite of widely used internal applications from a data and technical perspective. You will bring strong technical expertise, practical experience of building and deploying applications that many use to enable insights from information provided.

You will:

Maintain, develop and deploy R-Shiny applications that assist HMRC in targeting and decision-making (including performance, usability, and longevity considerations).

Explore innovative use of new technologies within HMRC's cloud-based technology stack to improve delivery of this application and others. Challenge others on inappropriate use of various technologies.

Prepare, link and analyse large datasets using robust coding practices and reproducible workflows, including utilising Git, Denodo, R, Python and SAS Viya.

Investigate, source and manipulate complex, disparate and sometimes unstructured datasets to provide meaningful insights from HMRC's myriad of data.

Work extensively with large, complex administrative datasets that were not originally designed for analytical use.

Collaborate with operational and policy colleagues to understand relevant business needs and ensure developments support operational priorities.

Provide advice, guidance, and peer support to colleagues on the use of advanced technical techniques.

Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a commitment to professional development in broader data science techniques.

This role is well suited to candidates who:

Have hands-on experience building and maintaining analytical products used by others (e.g. Shiny apps, dashboards, analytical tools)

Are comfortable working with messy, partially linked administrative data

Enjoy explaining technical findings to non-technical colleagues

Essential Criteria:

To be successful in this role, you must meet the technical requirements for Government Digital and Data (SO Data Scientist) roles and hold qualifications suitable for later badging into either GORS or GSG.

You must demonstrate:

Communicating and influencing (lead criteria). You can:

communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner - choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact

encourage the use of different communication methods, including digital resources and highlight the benefits, including ensuring cost effectiveness

ensure communication has a clear purpose and considers people's individual needs

share information as appropriate and check understanding.

Programming and Build. You can:

write moderate to complex programs and scripts (particularly relating to R and R-Shiny)

show a good understanding of testing methodologies and how to deploy code

Data engineering. You can:

work with data engineers and data scientists to design and provide products for the organisation.

For example, how to use tools like Git and Denodo appropriately and assisting others.

Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices. You can:

apply designated quantitative techniques such as time series analysis, optimisation and simulation to create and embed appropriate models for analysis and prediction

provide guidance on matching data sources with relevant applied mathematics and statistical techniques to meet analysis goals

apply appropriate statistical techniques to available data to discover new relations and offer insight into research problems, helping to improve organisational processes and support decision making

access and use the statistical tools available within the organisation

Understanding product delivery. You can:

understand the differences between delivery methods, such as Agile and waterfall, and can choose the most appropriate method to deliver each product

define the minimum viable product (MVP) and support decisions about priorities

work with specialists in multidisciplinary teams to smoothly deliver data science products into the organisation

Profession frameworks: More information on the analytical profession frameworks and broad eligibility criteria at SO level can be found at the following pages.

The Data Scientist skills required are taken from:

Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (Data Scientist, SO): Data scientist - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

GORS framework (Government Operational Research Service - GOV.UK): eligibility is a minimum 2i numerate degree or Masters with at least 50% numerate coverage.

GSG framework (Joining the GSS and GSG - Government Analysis Function): eligibility is a minimum second-class degree in "a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills."

Please get in touch with the vacancy holder if unsure about any elements of eligibility or technical frameworks.

Additional Security Information

Please note: Security Check (SC) clearance level, either already held or willing to obtain, is a requirement of this role. Please see Additional Security Information and Security sections below.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,544, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £13,194 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.
  • Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
  • Family friendly policies.
  • Personal support.
  • Coaching and development.
To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours, Ability and Experience.

How to Apply

After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 10 June 2026 at 23:55.

If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete and submit the final stage of your application after submitting your online test. The deadline for both the test and the application is 10 June 2026 at 23:55.

Please be aware that the Online Tests on this campaign will not be accessible during the hours of Sunday May 31st 2026 -4pm - Midnight UK; and Sunday June 7th 2026 - 4pm - 7pm UK .

Please do not attempt to launch the test during those times, as you may experience technical issues and we may not be able to assist you before the closing date and time.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:
  • A name-blind CV including your job history.
  • A 1000-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should be used to describe how your skills and experience would be suitable for the advertised role, making reference to the essential criteria and person specification outlined in the advert.
  • Two separate 250-word statements on the Behaviours - Communicating and Influencing (Lead Behaviour), and Working Together.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on the Lead Behaviour - Communicating and Influencing.

At full sift all behaviour statements, and your CV, and your Personal Statement, will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, candidates will be assessed against the Essential Criteria and two Civil Service Behaviours: Communicating and influencing and Working Together.

Interviews will take place face to face at Stratford. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form . Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application - [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]'.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application .

Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You'll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services .

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
  • Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ' help ' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Additional Security Information

Please note: in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers:

This role may be suitable for existing HMRC employees who are contractual homeworkers. Occasional attendance to the office will be required where there is a business need. Please consider the advertised office locations for this role when applying and only select locations from the 'location preferences' section that you can travel to.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations .

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

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 applicant's 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.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK .

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window) .

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window) .

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:
  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :
  • Name : Dave Allen
  • Email : david.allen2@hmrc.gov.uk
Recruitment team
  • Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk
Further information
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk. Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns, unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.

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