
Data Science Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Data Science Department
Data science is one of the most in-demand, dynamic, and multidisciplinary areas in the UK tech and business landscape. Organisations from finance, retail, health, government, and beyond are using data to drive decisions, automate processes, personalise services, predict trends, detect fraud, and more. To do that well, companies don’t just need good data scientists; they need teams with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, workflows, collaboration, and governance. If you're aiming for a role in data science or recruiting for one, understanding the structure of a data science department—and who does what—can make all the difference. This article breaks down the key roles, how they interact across the lifecycle of a data science project, what skills and qualifications are typical in the UK, expected salary ranges, challenges, trends, and how to build or grow an effective team.