Data Scientist

Join Pay.UK as a Data Scientist and work with data connected to services that millions of people and businesses across the UK rely on every day. This is a role for someone who wants to apply solid data science practice in a clear, meaningful setting, with the chance to help shape how we use data and AI across a trusted payments environment.

We are looking for a specialist who enjoys turning complex data into clear insight, practical models and well-structured analysis. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, using evidence to support decisions, improve understanding and help us develop our data capability in a way that is thoughtful, transparent and useful.

Accountabilities

- Analyse large and complex datasets to identify patterns, trends and risks relevant to Pay.UK’s services and operations.

- Build, test and refine statistical and machine learning models that support better forecasting, monitoring and decision-making.

- Prepare clear visualisations, reports and presentations that explain methods, findings and limitations in a straightforward way.

- Work with colleagues across business and technical teams to define data questions, shape analytical approaches and agree practical outputs.

- Translate business problems into structured analytical tasks, including data preparation, feature selection and model evaluation.

- Improve data quality and analytical processes by documenting methods, validating outputs and supporting good data practice.

- Use SQL and programming tools to extract, clean and transform data from multiple sources for analysis and modelling.

- Support the development of Pay.UK’s wider data and AI capability by contributing to repeatable methods, standards and shared learning.

• Professional experience in a Data Scientist role, with responsibility for delivering analysis and predictive or statistical models.
• Solid applied experience using Python and SQL to extract, prepare, analyze, and model data.
• Solid grounding in statistics and machine learning, with the ability to choose and evaluate suitable methods for real business questions.
• Experience presenting technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences through reports, visualisations or presentations.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets and applying clear quality checks, documentation and validation methods.

Pay.UK Behaviours

At Pay.UK, our behaviours are central to who we are and how we operate. They bring our values to life, shape our culture, and guide how we make decisions, collaborate, and respond to challenges across the payments ecosystem. All interview processes will assess the following behaviours:

• Listen to Find Win-Wins - Empathy, Listening and Understanding
• Influence with Courage - Influence, Courage
• Go Horizontal First - Cross Boundary Collaboration
• Take Ownership - Self Development
• Opportunity Mindset - Initiative
• Simplify - Achievement Orientation

Inclusivity

At Pay.UK, we value diversity and inclusivity. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups may hesitate to apply unless they meet all the requirements listed. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of how closely their skills and experience match the requirements. We are committed to supporting accessibility needs and creating a welcoming environment for all employees. Become part of our team and contribute to the creation of an inclusive work environment that values everyone's unique input.

Pay.UK is the recognised operator and standards body for the UK's interbank retail payment systems. We provide the infrastructure and services that millions of people and businesses rely on every day, including Bacs, Faster Payments and the Image Clearing System for cheques, the Current Account Switch Service and Confirmation of Payee. Together, these services help keep money moving safely, securely and reliably across the UK and play an important role in supporting the economy.

In 2025, the UK's retail payment systems processed more than 12.5 billion transactions worth over £11 trillion. Since its launch in 2013, the Current Account Switch Service has successfully helped consumers and businesses switch more than 12 million current accounts. These services help people receive their salaries, pay their bills, make payments and manage their finances with confidence.

Our purpose is to provide the trusted infrastructure, standards and services that underpin UK retail payments. We deliver safe, resilient and efficient payment systems while working collaboratively with industry, regulators and stakeholders to strengthen resilience, tackle fraud, improve access and support innovation across the payments landscape. As the ecosystem evolves, we are continuing to develop our capabilities in areas such as data and AI, enhancing operational insight and helping to build a modern, trusted payments ecosystem.

Learn more about life at Pay.UK by hearing what employees have to say, click here to view videos.

• 12% Non-contributory pension
• Discretionary annual bonus
• 30 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, health cash plan, dental insurance, Bupa medicals etc
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Annual fitness subsidy of up to £500 per annum
• Working from home policy - minimum 40% in the office (eg. 2 days in the office over a 5 day working week)

Please note:

• Some of our benefits are only available to colleagues after meeting the requirements of the probationary period
• Pay.UK employee benefits are not available to contractors and are only available to permanent and fixed-term employees