Senior Data Scientist

Overview

🧪 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 - 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 🧪 📍 Location: Hybrid 1-2 days per week onsite in London 📅 Start: 1st December - 1st April initially 💰 Day Rate: Outside IR35 - £500-600 - depending on experience. An established consultancy is seeking a Senior Data Scientist (Contract) to lead and deliver a series of high-impact machine learning proof-of-concept and beta-stage projects for a major public sector client. You’ll play a key role in shaping the technical direction of these projects, providing both hands-on expertise and leadership to a small team of data scientists, supported by engineers. The work will involve a balance of technical delivery, client engagement and strategic oversight. Role Responsibilities Act as technical lead and mentor for junior data scientists. Partner directly with client stakeholders to translate complex technical insights into business impact. Define and guide the machine learning strategy and direction for assigned projects. Lead the design, training and validation of models and algorithms. Maintain hands-on involvement. Work collaboratively with data engineers (note: MLOps responsibilities are handled by the engineering team). Contribute to broader AI and ML strategy development within the engagement. Required Skills & Experience 6+ years’ experience in Data Science. Demonstrated experience in technical consulting, ideally with exposure to public sector. Strong proficiency in Python and key data science libraries (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch/TensorFlow). Broad, practical understanding of machine learning and AI methodologies. Proven success in proof-of-concept design and delivery. Strong technical leadership and mentoring skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead and mentor for junior data scientists.
• Partner with client stakeholders to translate complex technical insights into business impact.
• Define and guide the machine learning strategy for assigned projects.
• Lead the design, training, and validation of models and algorithms.
• Maintain hands-on involvement in data science tasks.
• Collaborate with data engineers to enhance project outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of broader AI and ML strategies.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in Data Science.
• Demonstrated experience in technical consulting, preferably with public sector exposure.
• Strong proficiency in Python and key data science libraries including pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, and PyTorch/TensorFlow.
• Broad understanding of machine learning and AI methodologies.
• Proven success in proof-of-concept design and delivery.
• Strong technical leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.