Employer: Government Office for Science
Position: Data Analyst (Analytics Engineer)
Grade: A Civil Service
Salary: £33,015 – £40,110
Job Type: Full-time, Part-time
Work location: Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Salford
FULL JOB DESCRIPTION
National: £33,015 – £35,655; London: £37,150 – £40,110 (pro rata for part-time working) + Analyst allowance of £4,440, or £6,270 for those with a relevant Master’s degree as approved by the Head of Profession.
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
About the job
Job summary
The Government Office for Science works at the heart of Government, ensuring policies and decisions are informed by the best scientific evidence and strategic long-term thinking. It’s an exciting time to join the organisation; we have outstanding and high-profile positions providing you an opportunity to inform and influence policy-making and the systems for use of science and engineering across government. If you are highly motivated and looking for your next career challenge we want to hear from you.
Our mission is:
- Science advice mechanisms that are efficient, effective, speak truth to power and are embedded irreversibly in Government systems.
- Visible impact through both pro-active and demand-led science advice that is relevant, excellent, and delivered fit for purpose.
Further information can be found here:
We strongly believe diversity of experience, thought, perspectives, skills, and background makes us a more innovative, welcoming Department, thus making better decisions and better delivering our objectives. We are actively seeking applications from every part of the community and particularly welcome applications from candidates of any age, background, disability, or from an ethnic minority background and any other protected characteristics. This will help us move to a workforce that reflects the people we serve to deliver better policies.
We are a friendly, inclusive team and emphasise personal development. We will ensure individuals with disabilities are provided adjustments to participate in the job application and interview process. We support your wellbeing by putting flexible working at the heart of our offer.; if successful, you will be able to discuss working arrangements with your new manager.
We maintain an internal surge capability of staff who may be called at short notice to support an activation of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). Training and support will be provided. This is an excellent opportunity to develop crisis management skills.
Job description
Technology Science Insights (TSI) is an all-source analysis and assessment team in the Government Office of Science (GO-S). The team’s purpose is to provide high quality, independent evidence to inform strategic decisions on science and technology. Our work supports policymaking on science, technology and innovation across HMG, working particularly closely with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and supporting the Science & Technology Committee (STC).
TSI Analysis teams provide insight, analysis and assessment on critical and emerging technologies with a particular focus on geopolitical context and international comparison. We are a multidisciplinary team of analysts, data scientists, scientists, economists, and policy professionals. We work with a wide range of data and information sources including academic publication records, patents, financial and national security information.
The post holder will work collaboratively to implement data science techniques to extract insights from data for policy makers on science and technology. You will be responsible for developing and undertaking quantitative and qualitative assessments of science and technology, feeding into our analysis. You will lead on developing and acquiring data sources, managing analytical pipelines (including automation), and implementing data science methodologies to answer important questions.
Be part of our multidisciplinary team, working with and supporting analysts, data scientists, ML engineers, and developers. Work with the wider TSI team, contributing analysis, quality assurance and visualisations to inform science and technology deep dives, wider assessments and GO Science’s database of high-level insights on key emerging technologies. We work flexibly across different projects, and there will be opportunities to work with teams across GO Science. GO Science maintains an internal surge capability of staff who may be called on at short notice to support urgent areas of work. There may be opportunities to volunteer to support this activity.
Person specification
Key responsibilities
A diverse and inclusive culture promotes innovation and enables us to better meet our goals as a team. If you are interested but feel you don’t yet meet every requirement, please apply. We value enthusiasm, aptitude for growth, and diversity of thought and experience, along with the skills and experience outlined.
The Data Analyst (Analytics Engineer) Responsibilities will include:
Writing programs and scripts, ensuring a thorough understanding of testing methodologies and effective deployment of code.
Undertake data profiling and source system analysis to implement new data flows that support users within and beyond the team. Maintain data repositories to ensure information remains accurate, up to date, and accessed appropriately.
Refine understanding of GO-Science evidence gaps and opportunities to evolve data sources.
Create and maintain data documentation that meets professional standards and supports the wider analytical work of the unit.
Work with data users to design and build data models they can use for effective analysis and decision-making, using modelling techniques such as Kimball or Inmon
Support data quality improvement and cleaning to ensure that all data used for policy making is of the highest available quality
Provide ongoing support to data users to help other analysts understand the structure of the data sets and how to maximise their utility.
Linking TSI team to the wider community of government S&T analysts, sharing knowledge and developing best practice in using common data sources.
This role will work closely with our lead Data Engineer and would suit those interested in learning more about this profession.
Essential Criteria
Able to manipulate data using query languages such as SQL.
A good knowledge of concepts such as metadata, indexing, partitioning, data modelling, and master data management
Able to work with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, communicating complex technical concepts to both audiences.
Demonstrated interest in analytics and data modelling.
Design, build and test data products based on feeds from multiple systems, using a range of different storage technologies, access methods or both.
Implemented data flows to connect accessible data for analysis.
The role is reserved for badged Government analytical professions: Government Statistician Group (GSG), Government Economic Service (GES), Government Social Research Service (GSR), Government Operational Research Service (GORS). Candidates who are not members must be eligible and willing to take the tests to become a member. Those wishing to apply to either the Government Statistician Group or Government Social Research Service will need to sit online tests as part of the application process.
It is currently not possible to join the GES profession at HEO grade via open recruitment. If you do not currently hold a professional membership, please choose from GORS/GSG/GSR membership only.
Desirable Criteria
Experience with cloud platforms, particularly in a data science or analysis environment.
Experience working with Data Scientists and Analysts.
Experience of working in an agile culture of continuous delivery and improvement.
Memberships
Are there any essential requirements (relating to qualifications, experience/skills, memberships or licences) that candidates should be automatically rejected if they do not meet?: Yes
Qualifications:
Memberships: You must be a full member of one of the following analytical professions: Government Social Research Service (GSR), Government Statistician Group (GSG), Government Economics Service (GES) or Government Operational Research Service (GORS).
OR
You must be able to demonstrate that a) you satisfy the eligibility criteria and b) have the competence, at the required grade for one of the analytical professions.
It is currently not possible to join the GES profession at HEO grade via open recruitment.
Eligibility requirements of the analytical professions can be found here:
GES:
To apply for full and associate GES membership, you must:
have a first or upper second-class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics.
have studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics.
GSG:
For statistical posts, the accepted qualifications are:
a first-class or second-class honours degree in a numerate subject containing at least 25% taught statistical content (for example, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography, or similar)
OR
a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (for example. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography, or similar)
For statistical data scientist posts, the accepted qualifications are:
a first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills.
OR
a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD, in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics (this is not a definitive list)
Alternatively, you could apply if you have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) log book) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 5.
You could also apply if you have achieved or are on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least two years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics or data analysis (via a CPD logbook signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession).
GSR:
For qualification route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one-third of modules taken in the course).
For professional experience route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent, plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team.
GORS:
You must have, or expect to have, a 2:1 or higher degree or degree apprenticeship in a highly numerate degree subject; or you must have, or expect to have, a 2:2 or higher degree and a highly numerate postgraduate degree.
Professional competency frameworks can be found here:
Government Operational Research Service -https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gors-professional-behaviours
Government Statistician Group -https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/policy-store/competency-framework-for-the-government-statistician-group-gsg/
Government Social Research Service -https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-framework
Government Economic Service -https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Developing Self and Others
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Analysis of data (GES), Data analysis (GSG), Technical skills (GSR), Knowledge and application (GORS)
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £33,015, Government Office for Science contributes £9,564 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We offer a competitive mix of benefits including:
- A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
- Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
- An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
- Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
Office attendance
The Department operates a discretionary hybrid working policy, which provides for a combination of working hours from your place of work and from your home in the UK. The current expectation for staff is to attend the office or non-home based location for 40-60% of the time over the accounting period.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
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 08/06/2025 on 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.
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, personal statement, and any technical skills required. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Please use your personal statement (in no more than 750 words) to explain why you would like to work in GOS and set out how you meet the personal specification.
Applications will be sifted on personal statements, CV and any technical skills required.
In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the lead technical skill Analysis of data (GES), Data analysis (GSG), Technical skills (GSR), Knowledge and application (GORS).
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
The interview will consist of behaviour, technical and strength-based questions.
Interviewees will be asked to deliver a presentation; further details will be provided nearer the time.
To help you to prepare for your interview, for this campaign behaviour questions will be shared in advance of interview if you are successful at sift stage. These questions should be treated as confidential and should not be shared.
The interview panel may ask you other questions which will not be shared with you in advance, including any follow-up questions, and other elements listed in the job advert, for example, experience, abilities, strengths and technical skills. The panel will be looking for examples of your own work, experience, and ability so do try and avoid using AI written answers without any human oversight.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Further Information
Reasonable Adjustment
We are proud to be a disability confident leader and we welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions.
Information about the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) and some examples of adjustments that we offer to disabled candidates and candidates with long-term health conditions during our recruitment process can be found in our DSIT Candidate Guidance. A DSIT Plain Text Version of the guidance is also available. We encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
A location based reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.
Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
Any move to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
DSIT does not normally offer full home working (i.e. working at home); but we do offer a variety of flexible working options (including occasionally working from home).
DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.
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.
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter
Feedback
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 counter-terrorist check .
See our vetting charter .
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)
- 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
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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 .
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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .
Application Process
If you’re interested in this role, check out more information on the Official website and apply now