Data Science Specialist

BT Security
Cheltenham
4 days ago
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Recruiter: Krystle James


Career Grade: D


Internal Closing Date: 19/02/26


Due to the sensitive nature of this role, you will be required to undergo DV (Developed Vetting) level Security Clearance ( https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels). An allowance of £5k per annum may be payable monthly while you hold this DV and continue to work in a role that requires that level of security clearance. The terms of this allowance will be made available if you are successful in being recruited into this role.


Security isn't always the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BT, but when it comes to keeping everyone safely connected, We Are The Protectors. We deal with thousands of cyber‑attacks every day, so that millions of people can safely go about their daily lives and run their businesses. We deliver vital work at scale, with real breadth and impact. We connect for good.


You'll be joining a specialist security team that is a trusted partner to governments worldwide, protecting critical national infrastructure and committed to the safety and security of our nation and global communities. Our mission focused work is innovative, inspiring and technologically challenging in a way that makes every day different and stimulating. We provide the opportunity to work on rare projects, with exciting tools and brilliant people. Everyone has access to unparalleled professional and personal development opportunities and your contribution is always valued.


Why this job matters

This role sits within BT's Security Division and is responsible for maturing the data science capability, acting as a leader for how we exploit the value in our data.


The successful candidate will play a key part in building internal expertise and delivering innovative solutions to meet both internal and customer requirements. The role holder will lead and develop an agile team of data scientists across multiple projects. In addition to technical delivery, the role has a strategic dimension – identifying high-impact opportunities and engaging across the wider organisation.


This job role can be based in Manchester, Ipswich, Cheltenham. Onsite (Office based 5 days per week). Monday-Friday 37.5 hours per week. You will need to be eligible to obtain DV Security Clearance before starting this role. You will need to have lived in the UK for 10+ years to be eligible.


What you'll be doing

  • Supports the exploitation of data on critical customer platforms.
  • Mentors other Data Science & AI professionals, helping to improve the team's abilities by acting as a technical resource.
  • Coordinates the development and implementation of custom data models, intelligent algorithms, and AI solutions to apply to data sets.
  • Pursues new opportunities to utilise data science/machine learning for improved outcomes.
  • Champions, continuously develops and shares with the team knowledge on emerging trends and changes in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Essential Skills

  • Data Analysis
  • Programming
  • Scripting
  • Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
  • Statistical Analysis

What we'd like to see on your CV

  • Programming/Scripting: Strong skills with compiled and interpreted languages such as Python and Scala.
  • Data Analysis: Understanding of graphs, networks, time‑series modelling, numerical algorithms and geospatial analytics.
  • Machine Learning: Understanding of machine learning techniques and frameworks such as scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.
  • DevOps: Basic devops and system level Linux skills – confident with SSH and shell scripting, cron, package management. Familiar with version control and a mix of development environments.
  • Software Development: Highly experienced with compiled and interpreted languages such as Python and Scala/Java, confident with common libraries like Pandas, NumPy.
  • Cyber Analytics: Understanding and detecting threats in network data.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • 10% on target bonus (depending on country based)
  • BT Pension scheme, minimum 5% employee contribution, BT contribution 10%
  • On‑call allowance (depending on the requirements of the role)
  • 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with service
  • Huge range of flexible benefits including cycle‑to‑work, healthcare, season ticket loan
  • World‑class training and development opportunities
  • From January 2025, equal family leave: receive 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate. It's for all parents, no matter how your family is made up.
  • Enhanced women's health support: including help with menopause symptoms, cancer screenings, period care and more.
  • 24/7 private virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues
  • 2 weeks paid carer's leave
  • Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes.
  • Discounted broadband, mobile and TV packages
  • Access to 100s of retail discounts including the BT shop

#LI-Onsite


Security is one of the fastest growing parts of our global organisation. We are protecting our networks from more than 6,500 cyber attacks each day, investing over £40m in research each year – and by employing nearly 3,000 people, we are also the largest private cyber employer in the UK. With incredible opportunities to learn, develop and grow your skills, we will invest in you, nurture your potential and shape your future – whatever your background or experience.


In today's world, safe and secure digital connections have never been more vital. You'll be joining a global company operating at the forefront of the information age: BT employs 90,000 people in 180 countries. With huge scale, we can achieve great things, striving to be personal, simple and brilliant for our customers while creating an inclusive working environment where people from all backgrounds can succeed. Play your part. Make a difference. We are the Protectors.


A few points to note:

Although these roles are listed as full-time, if you're a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.
We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required, so please do not hesitate to inform us.


Don't meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement on the job description, please apply anyway – you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.


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