Job summary

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK�s largest producer of official statistics, covering a range of key economic, health, social, and demographic include measuring changes in the UK economy, estimating the size, geographic distribution and characteristics of the population, and providing indicators of price inflation, employment, earnings, health and migration.�

As a whole, Methods and Statistical Design Division, which is part of the Methods and Quality Directorate , supports the entire statistical production chain, and areas of expertise include: data collection methods (where most of the social research posts are located) as well as time series methods, sample design, estimation, weighting and modelling, statistical disclosure control, editing and imputation, index numbers, machine learning, statistical computing, demographic methods and quality measurement.

Methods and Statistical Design Division works across all ONS outputs and helps ensure that statistical outputs are underpinned by robust methodology and meet accepted quality standards. The Division aims to improve the rigour and cost-effectiveness of regular statistical outputs, undertakes research, and provides advice and guidance on best practice, ensuring new methodologies deliver improved statistics. The Division also seeks to exploit technology and emerging statistical and data-science methodologies to research and develop innovative solutions to new and existing problems, and provides a forward-looking, efficient, professional and accessible service to its stakeholders

Please note - Posts in this campaign are Quantitative in nature.

If you are interested in finding out more about the roles on offer then please join our candidate information session on

Job description

We currently have vacancies in our Methods and Statistical Design & Quality and Improvement Divisions. We are offering posts for Statistical Methodologists at the SEO Specialist grade.

Methodologists apply their expertise to conduct and lead research and analysis projects and support different business areas in ONS with the provision of advice and guidance. Methodologists often manage one or more Assistant Methodologists and will be responsible for developing and coaching staff in technical and other competency areas.

Methodologists will work primarily in one area of expertise based on their technical experience and current vacancies, while being given opportunities to get involved in a range of work.

Our specialisms in Methodology & Quality include:

Imputation Analysis and modelling Bayesian methods Estimation Machine learning Questionnaire design Statistical disclosure control Data linkage Time series Quality measurement Sampling

Key Responsibilities

Methodologist posts often have line management responsibilities for Assistant Methodologists. Other responsibilities include (but not limited to)

Manage and deliver a range of methodological and analytical research and development projects. Apply your skills and knowledge to ensure and improve the quality of methods used in the production of official statistics. Work closely with your customers in understanding and meeting their needs and communicating your findings. You will expected to provide motivating and inspirational leadership to your team, whilst also supporting their wellbeing. Supporting, developing, and coaching Assistant Methodologists in technical and other competency areas. Working to a Principal Methodologist and provide input and advice on the strategic direction of the team. Support the wider improvement of directorate working practices through joining or contributing to the leadership of non-technical working groups. The role may entail working collaboratively with experts in academia, other government departments and national statistical institutes worldwide, as well as working on a consultancy basis for external customers.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

An awareness of a broad range of statistical, data science, social, or quantitative methods and research topics. Experience conducting statistical or data science research. Experience of managing and delivering a range of projects with high quality outcomes, including experience of working with customers to establish and meet their needs. Experience in investigating methodological issues, problem solving, and being innovative in developing solutions. Experience of guiding, developing, and coaching other analytical colleagues and quality assuring their work. An aptitude for statistical computing (programming), with experience of at least one of R, Python, SAS, Stata or other similar languages, and the ability to learn new programming languages.

Qualifications

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree (conditional offers may be made for predicted grades) in either:

A mathematical, statistical, or data science discipline, or other subject with substantial statistical or analytical content.
OR
Clearly demonstrated equivalent experience, knowledge or qualifications may also be considered.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Managing a Quality Service Leadership Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

Acquiring Data Data Analysis Presenting and disseminating data effectively

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �40,951, Office for National Statistics contributes �11,863 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

The is part of the Civil Service, and as such we share a number of key benefits with other departments, whilst also having our own unique offerings to support our 5400 valued colleagues across the business.

Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that the benefits pack attached(bottom of page)will give you a great insight into the benefits and facilities available to our colleagues, and our fantastic working culture.

�

Inclusion & Accessibility

At ONS we are always looking to attract the very best people from the widest possible talent pool, and we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer. As a member of the Business Disability Forum and a Disability Confident Leader we�re committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, please contact the recruitment team in the first instance.

If you would like an accessible version of any of the attachments or recruitment documents below or linked to in this advert, please contact the recruitment team who will be happy to assist.