14509 - Lead Data Scientist (3 roles available) Justice Data, Ministry of Justice
| Posting date: | 04 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £58,511 to £70,725 per year |
| Additional salary information: | The national salary is £58,511 - £65,329. London salary is £63,343 - £70,725. Your salary will be dependent on your base location |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 February 2026 |
| Location: | UK |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Ministry of Justice |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 14509 |
Summary
The Role
We’re recruiting for a Lead Data Scientist here at the Ministry of Justice, to be part of the warm and collaborative Justice Data.
This role aligns against Principal Data Scientist from the Government Digital and Data Framework.
This role sits within Justice Data which exists to ensure that high quality data, and algorithms and tools built on that data, are available, trusted, and effectively used to improve decision making across the justice system. It plays a critical enabling role in delivering the department’s strategic, operational, and transformation priorities by turning complex and fragmented data into meaningful insight and practical tools.
This role sits within the Cross-Government Division of Justice Data which addresses complex justice challenges that cut across departmental boundaries. Working with partners across government, academia, and delivery systems, the Division focuses on improving data access, building evidence, and developing practical tools that support better decision-making, frontline delivery, and long-term system transformation.
The successful candidates will join a community of approximately 75 data scientists with portfolios which include prisons, probation, courts, criminal injuries, risk assessment, mental health, prevention, and youth justice. There is a strong culture of sharing best practice, developing cutting-edge capability, and celebrating achievements.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead development of algorithms and tools which improve the delivery of front-line services. The Cross-government Division is currently focused on developing solutions relating to Mental Health, Prevention, and Youth Justice.
• Support and motivate a team of data scientists.
• Collaborate with teams across the business to understand data science and AI requirements.
• Identify where data science can be used to achieve Ministry of Justice objectives.
• Maintaining and developing open-source tools. For example, our data extraction package, Laurium.
If this feels like an exciting challenge, something you are enthusiastic about, and want to join our team please read on and apply!
We’re recruiting for a Lead Data Scientist here at the Ministry of Justice, to be part of the warm and collaborative Justice Data.
This role aligns against Principal Data Scientist from the Government Digital and Data Framework.
This role sits within Justice Data which exists to ensure that high quality data, and algorithms and tools built on that data, are available, trusted, and effectively used to improve decision making across the justice system. It plays a critical enabling role in delivering the department’s strategic, operational, and transformation priorities by turning complex and fragmented data into meaningful insight and practical tools.
This role sits within the Cross-Government Division of Justice Data which addresses complex justice challenges that cut across departmental boundaries. Working with partners across government, academia, and delivery systems, the Division focuses on improving data access, building evidence, and developing practical tools that support better decision-making, frontline delivery, and long-term system transformation.
The successful candidates will join a community of approximately 75 data scientists with portfolios which include prisons, probation, courts, criminal injuries, risk assessment, mental health, prevention, and youth justice. There is a strong culture of sharing best practice, developing cutting-edge capability, and celebrating achievements.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead development of algorithms and tools which improve the delivery of front-line services. The Cross-government Division is currently focused on developing solutions relating to Mental Health, Prevention, and Youth Justice.
• Support and motivate a team of data scientists.
• Collaborate with teams across the business to understand data science and AI requirements.
• Identify where data science can be used to achieve Ministry of Justice objectives.
• Maintaining and developing open-source tools. For example, our data extraction package, Laurium.
If this feels like an exciting challenge, something you are enthusiastic about, and want to join our team please read on and apply!