Cheltenham
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
As a Senior Data Scientist, you’ll leverage data science to advance our mission and inform policy and strategy decisions. While this role is data-centric, collaboration is at its heart.
In this role, you’ll collaborate with data scientists and mission teams to utilise our services for problem-solving and discovering new applications. You’ll work with project teams to research and implement both established and novel models, and adapt AI techniques into our microservice architecture. Supporting our Development Operations (DevOps) team, you’ll explore innovative Machine Learning Operations (ML Ops) tools and learn to host large language models across multiple Graphic Processing Units (GPUs). After a year in this role, you’ll have opportunities to manage data scientists and engineers,
You understand the power of data for a business, and at GCHQ, we know how to use it for good. Every bit of data you work on is mission-critical and not driven by commercial gain, so you can be confident that your work makes a positive impact.
There may be annual opportunities for overseas travel for collaboration, conferences, and training.
A STEM or computer science-related degree, or an equivalent qualification, will be beneficial. If you don’t have a degree but possess relevant experience, please apply, as your experience is as valuable as a professional qualification. Ideally, you’ll have a deep understanding of machine learning, including training deployment, and maintenance. Additionally, you should be proficient in exploratory data analysis, statistical reasoning, and data driven decision-making.
Your experience in data science or software engineering enables you to communicate effectively with experts in both fields. This background has also shaped you into an effective manager, with a history of mentoring and supporting colleagues. Beyond these skills, you’re adept at leading teams and working with internal and external partners, as well as end users. Technically, you’re well-versed in the entire lifecycle of machine learning projects, capable of transforming a prototype capability (such as one in a Jupyter notebook) into a functional system component. Additionally, you’re proficient in a range of technologies, including but not limited to some of Python, Kubernetes, Docker, JavaScript, and Java.
Alongside your salary of £41,935, GCHQ contributes £12,148 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.