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Senior Data Scientist Jobs

Experienced professionals who lead data-driven decision-making. They design and implement complex models to extract actionable insights from large datasets.

Open roles
21
Salary range
£40k – £125k
Hiring companies
11
View 21 live roles → Get an alert

Senior Data Scientists are the backbone of data-driven organisations. They are responsible for designing and implementing advanced statistical models, conducting in-depth data analysis, and translating complex data insights into actionable strategies. These professionals work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and business leaders, to drive data-informed decisions. They often lead projects, mentor junior data scientists, and ensure that data science practices are aligned with business goals.

What the role does

A typical day for a Senior Data Scientist

A typical week is a mix of hands-on data analysis, project management, and collaboration with stakeholders.

  1. 01
    Analyse large datasets using statistical methods and machine learning algorithms.
  2. 02
    Develop and validate predictive models to support business decisions.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements and deliverables.
  4. 04
    Present findings and recommendations to senior management.
  5. 05
    Mentor junior data scientists and provide technical guidance.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest data science trends and tools.
Salary on the board

£40k – £125k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 13 priced live listings on the board. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Senior
40
120
8 jobs
Lead
67
125
5 jobs
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for senior data scientists. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Data Scientist

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in data collection, cleaning, and basic analysis. Contribute to small projects under supervision.

  2. Level 2

    Data Scientist

    2–5 yrs

    Lead data analysis projects, develop predictive models, and communicate insights to stakeholders.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Data Scientist

    5–8 yrs

    Design and implement complex data models, manage projects, and mentor junior team members.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Data Scientist

    8+ yrs

    Strategise data science initiatives, lead large-scale projects, and influence organisational data strategy.

Pathway

How to become a Senior Data Scientist

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Gain foundational skills

    Start with a strong foundation in statistics, programming, and data analysis. Gain experience through internships or entry-level roles.

  2. 2

    Specialise in data science

    Focus on advanced statistical methods, machine learning, and data visualisation. Work on projects that require in-depth data analysis.

  3. 3

    Lead projects and teams

    Take on leadership roles in data science projects. Manage teams, mentor junior data scientists, and ensure project success.

  4. 4

    Influence organisational strategy

    Shape the data science strategy of your organisation. Lead large-scale initiatives and drive data-driven decision-making at the executive level.

  5. 5

    Stay current with trends

    Continuously update your skills and knowledge. Stay informed about the latest data science tools, techniques, and industry trends.

Live jobs

21 live roles

See all 21 →

Lead Data Scientist

As a Lead Data Scientist, you will lead the development of digital products and decision-support tools that directly improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of a major national network. You will act as a senior hands-on practitioner, bridging the gap between technical delivery and senior leadership, while mentoring junior colleagues and modernising AI capabilities.

Morgan McKinley London, United Kingdom £67,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Flexible Clearance Required
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Lead Data Scientist

This role involves leading the design and implementation of AI, analytics, and digital solutions for complex public and private sector clients. You will identify opportunities, lead technical workstreams, and collaborate with client teams on-site across the UK, translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders and supporting the development of colleagues.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment London, United Kingdom £80,000 – £125,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Senior Data Scientist

This role involves building and fine-tuning LLMs and NLP models for financial services, including conversational AI and data assistants. You will work on ML pipelines, model evaluation, and production-ready code, collaborating with engineers and guiding mid-level Data Scientists.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Manchester, United Kingdom £60,000 – £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Senior Data Scientist

This role involves leading the development and deployment of advanced machine learning models that influence customer experience, product innovation, and business strategy. You will work on complex, high-value AI initiatives, manage multiple strategic projects, and mentor junior team members while ensuring responsible AI practices.

Robert Walters London, United Kingdom £75,000 – £95,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Senior Data Scientist

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will focus on pricing and customer selection for car and van insurance, working with large, messy datasets to build and deploy predictive models. You will lead data exploration, feature engineering, and collaborate with pricing, risk, and product stakeholders to influence pricing strategy. The role involves technical leadership and mentoring a graduate data scientist within a small, collaborative team.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Leicester, LE1 5YA, United Kingdom £65,000 – £80,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Senior Data Scientist

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will lead the development of rigorous statistical methodologies to evaluate AI systems, focusing on bias, fairness, and consistency. You will work closely with founders and technical teams to set industry standards in AI assurance, contributing to high-impact, regulatory, and legally significant projects.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment London, United Kingdom £100,000 – £120,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Senior Data Scientist

This role involves applying advanced analytics and modelling techniques to enhance financial crime detection and prevention. You will develop and maintain fraud detection rules, build predictive models, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to implement data-driven solutions. The position offers a hands-on, high-impact opportunity to shape fraud and financial crime strategy in a fast-scaling financial services environment.

Oscar Technology London, United Kingdom £65,000 – £90,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Lead Data Scientist - Financial Crime

This role involves leading data-focused projects to combat financial crime and fraud, working closely with senior stakeholders and junior team members. You will analyze large datasets, design monitoring processes, and translate insights into actionable recommendations, all while supporting the business's expansion into complex data solutions.

Data Idols Farringdon, Greater London, London, EC1M 4BJ, United Kingdom £85,000 – £110,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Faculty AI logo

Lead Data Scientist

As a Lead Data Scientist, you will set the technical direction for complex, business-critical projects, ensuring high-quality, scalable delivery. You will mentor cross-functional teams, manage client relationships, and drive innovation in a fast-growing AI consultancy that works with global clients across various industries.

Faculty AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Faculty AI logo

Senior Data Scientist

As a Senior Data Scientist at Faculty AI, you will lead high-impact AI projects, define data science approaches, and design robust software architectures. You will mentor junior colleagues, build client relationships, and contribute to the company's thought leadership through public speaking and open-source projects.

Faculty AI London, United Kingdom £50,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Senior Data Scientist (Signal Processing)

Cure Talent are delighted to be partnered with an emerging wearable medical technology company at a defining stage of its growth. Developing next-generation physiological monitoring solutions, this organisation is advancing its data science and sensing capabilities to deliver medical-grade insights...

Cure Talent Hathern, Leicestershire, LE12 5LA, United Kingdom £65,000 – £75,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Lead Data Scientist

Lead Data Scientist / Chief Data ScientistRemote - must be UK-based£90,000 + Bonus + HealthcareThe OpportunityWe’re supporting a growing technology business developing advanced AI-driven systems operating in complex, real-world environments.Their platform brings together computer vision, geospatial analytics, and multi-source data...

Technify Talent Limited United Kingdom £80,000 – £90,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Lead Data Scientist - Deep Learning Practitioner

White Collar Factory (95009), United Kingdom, London, LondonLead Data Scientist - Deep Learning PractitionerAbout this roleOur Data Science team focuses on the development of Machine Learning and Deep Learning solutions, to solve business problems and deliver actionable insights. We are...

Capital One Calwich, Staffordshire, United Kingdom

Lead Data Scientist - Deep Learning Practitioner

White Collar Factory (95009), United Kingdom, London, LondonLead Data Scientist - Deep Learning PractitionerAbout this roleOur Data Science team focuses on the development of Machine Learning and Deep Learning solutions, to solve business problems and deliver actionable insights. We are...

Capital One Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom

Lead Data Scientist - Deep Learning Practitioner

White Collar Factory (95009), United Kingdom, London, LondonLead Data Scientist - Deep Learning PractitionerAbout this roleOur Data Science team focuses on the development of Machine Learning and Deep Learning solutions, to solve business problems and deliver actionable insights. We are...

Capital One Tower, Greater London, City And County Of the City Of London, United Kingdom
See all 21 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring senior data scientists

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FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include advanced statistics, machine learning, programming (Python, R), data visualisation, and strong communication abilities.

  • Gain experience in leading projects, developing complex models, and mentoring junior team members. Continuously improve your technical and leadership skills.

  • Responsibilities include designing and implementing advanced data models, managing data science projects, and mentoring junior data scientists.

  • A Senior Data Scientist has more experience, leads projects, and mentors junior team members. They also have a broader impact on organisational data strategy.

  • Salary ranges can vary widely based on experience, location, and industry. For specific salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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