Join to apply for the Lead Data Scientist role at Financial Conduct Authority.
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Division – Intelligence & Digital
Department – Advanced Analytics and Data Science Units
* Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) £59,100 to £80,233; London £64,900 to £88,100 (salary offered based on skills and experience)
* Role grade: Lead Associate – Regulatory
* Recruitment contact: Benjamin, benjamin.paulon@fca.org.uk. Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Social media or email applications will not be accepted.
About The FCA And Team
We regulate financial services firms in the UK to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. Joining us means protecting consumers, driving economic growth and shaping the future of UK financial services.
The Data, Technology and Innovation (DTI) division enables the FCA to be a digital‑first, data‑led smart regulator by delivering a secure, agile, and cost‑effective technology and data ecosystem that drives better decisions, transparency and operational efficiency.
This role sits in a Data Science team that supports the FCA Enforcement and the Financial Crime agenda. As Lead Data Scientist you will apply cutting‑edge AI and advanced analytics to support the FCA in its fight against financial crime.
Role Responsibilities
* Support and guide a team of data scientists through mentorship, regular feedback and career development conversations.
* Cultivate a collaborative and curious team environment by encouraging exploration of new tools, techniques and approaches in data science.
* Build strong relationships with internal partners to co‑design data science projects that reflect regulatory priorities and contribute meaningfully to strategic goals.
* Take a proactive role in shaping and leading initiatives within the Enforcement & Financial Crime Data Science Unit, driving progress on impactful programmes.
* Work closely with data engineering and governance colleagues to ensure data pipelines are secure, scalable and designed to meet evolving needs.
* Champion excellence in data science by promoting best practices, conducting code reviews and contributing to efforts that enhance financial crime detection and enforcement.
Skills required
Minimum
* Experience in Python, R or other object‑oriented languages, applying diverse data science techniques.
* Experience leading key workstreams within complex, cross‑functional projects, collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring appropriate resourcing to deliver outcomes.
* Experience collaborating with data engineering and governance teams to maintain and optimise data pipelines.
Essential
* Skilled in designing and delivering analytics projects using large, structured and unstructured datasets.
* Effective collaboration with technical and non‑technical stakeholders to develop solutions.
* Experience in project leadership, managing, mentoring and developing junior data scientists.
* Clear communication of insights to stakeholders.
Benefits
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work.
* Non‑contributory pension (8–12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary.
* Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection, and 24/7 Employee Assistance.
* 35 hours of paid volunteering annually.
* A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle.
Useful information and timelines
* Advert closing date: 9 November at 11:59pm.
* CV review / shortlist: 10–11 November.
* Interviews: from 17 November.
SC clearance is required for this role (SC Guidance). Applicants must hold or obtain Security Check (SC) level vetting.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Engineering and Information Technology
Our values & culture
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture free from discrimination and bias, celebrating difference and supporting colleagues to deliver their best. If you require adjustments due to a disability or condition, your recruiter can provide tailored support.
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