Data Scientist 2021

Overview

Ofcom is at the cutting edge of emerging communications from broadcasting on TV and radio, to telecoms and how we communicate with each other, to new wireless technologies. Our graduates play a key role in all of these areas. Join us, and you can get involved from the start.

On the graduate scheme, you will embark on a two-year series of intensive job placements, moving regularly between projects and departments to ensure that the knowledge and insight you are exposed to is as broad as possible. So, one week you might be analysing terabytes of network performance data; the next, using AI techniques to look for patterns in broadcast content. On successful completion of the two-year scheme you will make the transition into a permanent role in one of the business areas relevant to your chosen pathway.

Data in Ofcom

Data underpins much of Ofcom’s work as an evidence-based regulator. Data specialists work across our organisation, extracting insights and informing our policy and operational work. Ofcom’s Data Innovation Hub supports these colleagues, and the development of our data capability more broadly. This team fulfils three functions:

1. Delivering a step change in our capability to organise, manage, understand and extract insights from data, by developing innovative tools and improving our knowledge;
2. Helping colleagues across the organisation deliver their policy or organisational priorities by undertaking targeted projects involving the analysis or visualisation of data; and
3. Providing advice to data specialists throughout the organisation.

The Role

As a Data Science and Engineering graduate you will have the opportunity to work within the Data Innovation Hub and with data and information technology specialists in other groups across the organisation. You will have the opportunity to use and further develop your data science and engineering skills on projects across all of our sectors, such as broadband and mobile networks, radio spectrum engineering, market research and audio/video content.

We have a culture of continuous learning, so you will be able to benefit from a range of training opportunities, ranging from e-learning modules, internal or external classroom-based courses, hackathons and on-the-job learning. You will also be supported by senior data scientists and engineers and you will be mentored throughout your time on the graduate programme.

The Data Science and Engineering role at Ofcom could be perfect for you if you're looking for the following in a graduate scheme:

• The opportunity to put your degree into practice, with a chance to apply your skills
• Continuing to learn in a supportive environment, from colleagues with backgrounds in other disciplines such as researchers, analysts, economists, lawyers and policy specialists and technical experts
• Making a difference for millions of people
• Starting a rewarding career in an increasingly important and dynamic sector for the UK economy.

Candidate Profile

At Ofcom, we're looking for:

• An undergraduate degree in a mathematical, statistical, natural science, computer science, engineering or economics subject; or a post-graduate degree in a subject related to data science, advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence or machine learning
• A basic understanding of, or familiarity with
  • data science concepts, such as mathematical problem solving, geospatial analysis, probability, statistics, curve-fitting, artificial intelligence or machine learning; and relevant tools such as Python or R; or
  • data engineering concepts, such as data profiling and testing, data modelling and integration design; and relevant scripting knowledge for programming, build and analysis tasks
• Ambitious and passionate individuals who live by our values of: Excellence, Collaboration, Agility, and Empowerment

Benefits

Ofcom offers a number of benefits to employees including:

• Flexible benefits allowance
• Pension allowance
• 25 days holiday 
• Day off for your birthday
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Annual health check
• Income protection insurance

Application 

The application process consists of four stages:

• Initial application
• Online testing
• Video interview
• Assessment Centre

For this role, you can be based in either the London, Cardiff or Edinburgh offices.

As a Disability Confident employer, applicants who self-identify as disabled or with a long-term condition and who meet the minimum criteria for the role will be invited for an interview.

Please email us here if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or with any part of the recruitment process. These may include online tests, video interviews, short phone calls and an assessment centre.

For more information and guidance please visit: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/ask-for-adjustments-at-interview