Data Scientist

Salary: Grade 10, ranging from £38,510 - £43,149 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: Fixed-term contract until 1 November 2028

Closing date: 29 September 2026

Are you passionate about using data to solve complex problems and make a meaningful difference?

At Somerset Council, we're investing in data and analytics to help shape the future of public services. This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking team where your expertise will help us build robust evidence for transformation, understand whether change is delivering the intended benefits, and support better strategic decisions for communities across Somerset.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise with purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As a Data Scientist, you'll support evidence tracking across transformation projects, helping the council understand what is changing, whether expected benefits are being realised and how confidently those benefits can be attributed to the work. Using data analysis, statistical techniques and forecasting, you'll establish baselines, monitor outcomes and distinguish the impact of transformation from wider environmental factors.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Analyse operational, financial and outcome data to establish baselines and track evidence of change across transformation projects.

• Apply statistical methods to test whether observed changes are meaningful and isolate project benefits from wider environmental factors.

• Develop forecasting, scenario and counterfactual models to estimate expected benefits and understand what may have happened without the intervention.

• Work closely with transformation, service and finance colleagues to define benefit measures, assumptions and appropriate methods of attribution.

• Create clear, repeatable reporting and analytical products that show progress against expected benefits and support timely decision-making.

• Communicate findings, uncertainty and limitations clearly, championing ethical, transparent and trusted use of evidence.

What You'll Bring

• Experience analysing complex datasets and applying statistical methods to evaluate change and impact.

• Experience of forecasting, scenario modelling or other approaches used to estimate and track benefits.

• An understanding of benefits realisation, evaluation methods and the challenges of attributing outcomes to a specific intervention.

• Strong technical skills in tools such as Python, SQL and cloud-based data platforms.

• Ability to translate analytical findings, assumptions and uncertainty clearly for non-technical audiences.

• A degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.

• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.

• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• This role offers flexible hybrid working arrangements, with the opportunity to work predominantly remotely, attending our Taunton office typically one day per month.

• Secondment opportunities will be considered for internal applicants. Please discuss your application with your line manager before applying.

• A standard DBS check is required for this role.

• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Josh Pimm, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, via email: josh.pimm@somerset.gov.uk

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: RP264 Data Scientist.pdf