Data Scientist – Public Sector

Data Scientist - Hybrid 

Nice to meet you!

We’re a leader in data and AI. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data into intelligence - and questions into answers.

We’re also a debt-free multi-billion-dollar organization on our path to IPO-readiness. If you're looking for a dynamic, fulfilling career coupled with flexibility and world-class employee experience, you'll find it here.

About the job

The Customer Advisory team is looking for a Data Scientist with a strong track record in Public Sector engagements. The role requires Security Clearance (To gain Security Clearance you will normally need to have been a UK resident for a minimum of 5 years) and involves leading customer-facing technical engagements across data science, machine learning, and AI within the UK public sector and defence sectors.

As a Data Scientist , you will:

• Customer-Focused Data Science Leadership:

• Lead technical Proof of Concepts (PoCs), demonstrations, and MVPs to showcase advanced data science solutions.
• Deliver impactful, hands-on AI and machine learning projects that drive tangible value for public sector clients.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for data science in commercial opportunities, marketing, and customer success.

• Technical Delivery:

• Develop end-to-end data science solutions using tools such as SAS Viya, Python, and R.
• Build, train, and deploy predictive and prescriptive models addressing challenges like rare-event detection, workforce attrition, and operational efficiencies.

• Collaboration & Mentoring:

• Act as a technical mentor to upskill junior team members, fostering collaboration and best practices.
• Work cross-functionally with customer advisory, sales, and customer success teams to ensure technical excellence.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving:

• Prototype and implement novel solutions to complex challenges, ensuring explainability and performance improvements.
• Stay abreast of advancements in AI tools to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

• Thought Leadership:

• Represent the organization as a data science leader through blogs, public speaking, and industry events.
• Support public outreach initiatives that promote the role of data science and AI.

Required Qualifications

• Six years of relevant experience such as analyzing data and/or building analytical models.
• BSc (MSc preferred) in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered in place of the above qualifications.
• Security Clearance (SC) or eligibility to obtain SC clearance.
• Technical Expertise:

• Advanced proficiency in SAS Viya, Python, and R.
• Experience with machine learning, predictive modelling, and statistical methods.
• Strong data visualization skills.

• Public Sector Experience: Minimum 3+ years delivering data science solutions for UK public sector or defence clients.
• Communication Skills: Excellent ability to explain complex data science solutions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem Solver: Proven ability to develop innovative solutions to challenging problems.
• You’re curious, passionate, authentic and accountable. These are our values and influence everything we do.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous contributions to public thought leadership or technical blogs.
• Background in mentoring or technical leadership roles.

Benefits Highlights 

• A collaborative and inclusive environment focused on delivering impact.
• Opportunities to lead in cutting-edge projects for public sector transformation.
• Ongoing technical training and development opportunities.
• Our Recreation and Fitness center offers recorded fitness classes to help you fit movement into your day.
• Your well-being matters, and that's why we support all dimensions of your well-being by offering programs that reduce stress and distractions to help you remain healthy and productive.

Diverse and Inclusive

At SAS, it’s not about fitting into our culture – it’s about adding to it. We believe our people make the difference. Our diverse workforce brings together unique talents and inspires teams to create amazing software that reflects the diversity of our users and customers. Our commitment to diversity is a priority to our leadership, all the way up to the top; and it’s essential to who we are. To put it plainly: you are welcome here.

Additional Information:

SAS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

SAS only sends emails from verified “sas.com” email addresses and never asks for sensitive, personal information or money. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of any type of communication from, or on behalf of SAS, please contact Recruitingsupport@sas.com.

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