Lead Data Scientist - Assistant Director

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
London - United Kingdom
S: £68,936 to £77,300 per annum

Location: Canary Wharf, London
Salary: £68,936 to £77,300 per annum

The Data, Technology and Analytics (DaTA) Unit helps the Competition and Market Authority (CMA) stay on the leading edge of data and technology. We engineer complex data; deploy advanced machine learning and Artificial Intelligence solutions; and help the CMA understand how firms are using data and technology, what their algorithms do, and how algorithms are interacting to form the markets we see.

Since the launch of the Unit earlier this year, we have established a strong data science and engineering team with a collaborative and open culture. This is supported by cutting edge technology and agile project management. We are now adding a Lead Data Scientist to support our work in technology markets, the analysis of digital competition and applying data science techniques to build tools and analyses to improve efficiency.

As a Lead Data Scientist, you will be responsible for having a broad understanding of the latest machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques used in private sector organisations and for getting on top of the details of specific techniques as needed in particular cases. You will lead data scientists to apply these techniques at the CMA, e.g. using natural language processing methods to review documents in mergers, cartels and other cases, or using visualisation algorithms to identify suspicious patterns in the trading behaviour of organisations.

You will also follow the latest thinking in academia and elsewhere on organisations' use of algorithms, understanding how the CMA can audit algorithms (using legal powers to request data) and how it can model how algorithms interact and lead to the prices and information that consumers see. You will have a broad understanding of issues such as the fairness, transparency and explainability of algorithms.

As the Unit is newly established, there is a substantial opportunity to make a difference. You will shape how the CMA and others – academics, other regulators domestically and internationally, consumer organisations, the OECD – perceive the regulation of data and technology markets. In addition, you can affect which issues are addressed by the CMA and the outcomes of these cases, protecting consumers and society.

We are looking for a significant and varied practical experience of using data science, ideally in the commercial sector, and a PhD in a relevant quantitative subject (e.g. computer science, statistics, applied mathematics), or a Master's degree and advanced and demonstrable understanding of the latest methods. Equally you must also have a thorough understanding of machine learning methods and how to apply them practically, exceptional skills in coding, (R and Python) and a proven track record in leading teams to deliver high quality analytical projects at pace.

In return the CMA is a hugely rewarding, diverse and stimulating place to work – an opportunity to work for the public good and to stretch and develop yourself in doing so. We offer generous benefits, including an excellent pension scheme, at least 25 days leave (increasing to 30 over five years), and generous maternity/paternity leave provision. You can also take advantage of interest-free season ticket loans, a cycle to work scheme, our employee assitance programme and favourable consideration of flexible working.

To find out more about this opportunity and about working for the CMA, please click on the APPLY button.

Closing date for applications: 11:55pm on 4 November 2019.

The CMA are an accredited Disability Confident Employer, and we are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds.

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

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