Senior Data Scientist

About the Role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable future. 

We are looking for a Senior Data Scientist to join the Data Science team as part of Gas and Whole Energy Network Development. The team produces probabilistic forecasts and provides analytical insights as part of NESO’s gas network planning functions, and are growing in scope to support work around decarbonisation, hydrogen network planning, and whole energy interactions.

The Senior Data Scientist will play a key role in developing, maintaining, and running models, and in driving change through delivering new data insights. You will develop pipelines and automation for existing processes, and will lead the team in following data management and data quality best practice.

You will provide technical leadership, driving the creation and improvement of data science techniques to ensure our modelling work remains robust. You will also provide input and challenge to steer the direction of a range of projects, taking a leading role in supporting the development of colleagues across NESO’s data science community. 

Key Accountabilities 

• Working within established data handling guidelines, collect, collate, and cleanse raw data and convert into useable formats. Apply an end-to-end mindset, understanding both where the data has come from and how it can be used to drive meaningful decision support for the NESO leadership.
• Develop probabilistic forecasts of GB gas demand and supply at a regional level using a range of statistical techniques, including Monte Carlo sampling. Maintain and run models to support analysis feeding into the Centralised Strategic Network Plan.
• Use data science skills to support projects within the wider GWEND team concerning emerging hydrogen network planning, decarbonisation of industrial cluster sites, and whole energy interactions, including the analysis of geospatial data.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines for existing GWEND processes, and drive the automation of existing processes.
• Effectively communicate the impact of technical findings to a widespread audience, including Senior Management, Ofgem, DESNZ, and National Gas, ensuring insights are used to drive impact.
• Take a leading role in scoping out and planning data science projects, in response to emerging opportunities and business needs.
• Stay abreast of developments and advancements in data science, machine learning, automation, and other relevant trends to drive continuous improvements in how NESO manages and capitalises on the information and data it holds.
• Lead data quality and assurance, and data management processes within GWEND.
• Take a leading role in the emerging data science community throughout NESO, demonstrating best practice and supporting the development of other team members.
• Undertake ad hoc projects and initiatives relevant to data management, data handling, data cleansing, high-volume analytics, and insight generation as requested by NESO management. Undertake exploratory data analysis of complex data sets and develop data visualisations used to bring insight to a range of stakeholders.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

About You

We are looking for someone, who:

• Has proven experience in writing clear and well-documented productionised code in R, Python, or another high-level language, which is used to drive business decisions.
• Has experience of developing statistical (and machine learning) forecasting models from first principles, and understanding of the strengths and limitations of modelling assumptions. Knowledge of statistical techniques, such as Monte Carlo methods, regression analysis, and clustering would be beneficial.
• Is adept at using version control and a cloud computing environment as part of a team of data scientists.
• Has experience of developing end-to-end data pipelines and automating data processes.
• Has the ability to discuss with key stakeholders to ascertain modelling assumptions and understand how modelling results can bring insight, and is able to interpret technical findings to drive change.
• Uses a logical and creative approach to solving analytical problems, collaborating across multiple teams where appropriate
• Experience of the energy industry, particularly gas or hydrogen is desirable.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £63,000 - £75,000 dependent on experience and capabilityAs well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package. - You will receive a bonus based on company performance- 26 days annual leave as standard - A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. - Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:
- Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
- Additional Birthday Day Off
- Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
- Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance
 

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.

Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.
Your energy. Our future. Together

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

More Information

This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.