Senior Data Scientist – Planning Inspectorate
Location: Bristol, South West England (Hybrid)
Application Deadline: 11:55 pm, Sunday 14 September 2025
Reference Number: 424077
Salary & Benefits
- £45,219 – £49,462 per year
- Additional DDAT allowance up to £12,181 (based on capability)
- Civil Service Pension with employer contribution of 28.97%
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years) + bank holidays + 1 privilege day (King’s Birthday)
- Flexible working options: part-time, compressed hours, flexi-time, and remote working (role dependent)
- Family-friendly policies and inclusive culture
- Modern IT kit with Microsoft 365 for hybrid collaboration
About the Role
The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting Senior Data Scientists to deliver innovative projects and develop AI/Machine Learning tools that drive efficiency and data-driven decision making.
This role offers the opportunity to apply advanced analytics in a multidisciplinary team while contributing to a fair planning system that impacts communities, the economy, and the environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain data science models and products
- Apply machine learning techniques for classification and regression
- Build reproducible analytical pipelines and process automation
- Contribute to the Inspectorate’s Data Science community of practice
- Translate technical findings into clear insights for non-technical stakeholders
Essential Criteria
- Degree (1st, 2:1, or 2:2) in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or related field
- Strong experience with Python or R (pandas, numpy, scikit-learn, tidyverse)
- Knowledge of applied machine learning and pattern recognition
- Applied statistical skills (regression, hypothesis testing, distributions)
- Ability to explain technical subjects to non-technical audiences
- Understanding of ethical and privacy considerations in analysis
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge of the UK Planning System
- Experience using Git
Working Pattern
- Full-time: 37 hours per week
- Part-time: 22.2 hours (3 days) or more
- Hybrid working arrangements (office base in Bristol, near Temple Meads station)
Selection Process
This vacancy uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework and will assess:
- Behaviours: Changing and Improving, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service
- Technical skills
- Experience
Timeline:
- Shortlist: w/c 15 September 2025
- Interviews: w/c 22 September 2025 (held remotely via MS Teams)
Important Information
- Visa Sponsorship: Not available – applicants must have the right to work in the UK
- Security Clearance: Security Check (SC) level required
- Nationality: Open to UK, Republic of Ireland, certain Commonwealth & EEA nationals (see Civil Service nationality rules)
Contact
📧 Recruitment: PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Location: Bristol, South West England
Application Process
Apply directly via the official portal:
Apply Now on Civil Service Jobs
