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Principal Data Scientist
Data Science · Full-time
taunton, uk
Posted on Nov 8, 2026
About the job
Job summary
Shape the future of data science and AI at the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), a world leading hydrographic agency that has been helping people safely navigate the oceans for over 200 years. As a Principal Data Scientist, you will combine hands-on technical work with scientific leadership, turning complex data into practical solutions.
Join our established Data Science and AI team and tackle varied challenges using hydrographic, oceanographic, ship-tracking, satellite, lidar and unstructured data. You will use techniques including statistical modelling, deep learning, computer vision and large language models. You will have the freedom to select methods according to the problem, available data and operational requirements, rather than just following technology trends.
This is an opportunity to influence technical direction while staying close to the science and code. You will bring strong mathematics, statistics and machine-learning expertise, programming skills, preferably in Python, and the ability to connect organisational ambition with achievable outcomes.
You will contribute to the development and practical application of AI strategy, policy and assurance. You will help establish proportionate evaluation, documentation and monitoring approaches, making the limitations and risks of analytical outputs clear. Where solutions support navigation or Defence activities, you will work with subject matter experts to ensure that testing reflects their intended use and that appropriate human oversight is maintained.
You will work in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment that values curiosity, constructive challenge and learning through experimentation. If you want to combine technical depth, collaboration and leadership with the opportunity to build useful, sustainable capabilities, this role offers the scope to make a lasting contribution.
Hybrid working
This job role can be worked on a hybrid basis, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, working between the office in Taunton and remotely within the UK. Office attendance is required in accordance with business need.
Part-time hours may be considered for this role (minimum of 0.8 FTE - 29.6 hours per week)
Job description
- Set the technical direction for the Data Science team, with your peers, own, build and maintain an effective and sustainable data science function
- Lead multiple projects, contribute to their progression, and support team members in experimentation and discovery
- Guide, develop and deliver advanced analysis, machine learning and practical automation. Improve operational workflows and modernise analytical solutions into repeatable, reusable and maintainable capabilities
- Communicate results to a wide range of stakeholders to define problems, shape solutions and communicate benefits
- Lead stakeholder engagement and develop internal and external collaborations
- Ensure scientific rigour, technical quality and proportionate AI assurance. Design means and metrics for measuring delivery efficacy.
Person specification
- History of working with users and stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions
- Previous experience leading a team or projects
- Highly competent in Data Science techniques, statistical analysis, machine learning and/or predictive modelling. Experience with LLMs / generative AI desirable.
- Strong coding and development ability, for example Python, version control
- Familiar with MLOps concepts, experiment tracking and versioning data
- Skilled at choosing the right method for the task at hand and iterative improvement
- Excellent communicator able to navigate stakeholders and organisational silos
- History of developing junior members and supporting their work
Please apply here- Principal Data Scientist - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
We are not looking to work with agencies on this post.