Lead Data Scientist

Do you write perfectly modular, decoupled data analysis code that always works on the first try?
Do you have every modern deep learning use case and network topology memorized?
Do you know everything there is to know about inferential and predictive model-building?

Of course not. Nobody does, and we get that, so let's try again.

Have you worked on lots of data science projects where you tried, failed, learned, and tried again?
Are you the kind of person that your colleagues reach out to for help when they get stuck, because even if you don't know the answer, you always help them find it?
Are you ready to lead a team of like-minded data scientists and analysts in delivering services that improve the lives of Ontarians?

Then you are exactly the kind of person we would love to meet here at the Data Science Deployment and Support Unit.

As a part of the Business Intelligence and Practice Division, our role is to enhance the ministry's evidence-informed decision making by applying cutting-edge data science tools and methods to integrated human services data. Our work includes:

• Exploring, analysing, and deriving new insights from our data assets;
• Building, deploying, and maintaining statistical and machine learning models;
• Automating data preparation and analysis processes;
• and much, much more

If you're ready to help us build and operationalize this vision, then we encourage you to apply!

What can I expect to do in this role?

As a Lead Data Scientist, you will:

• Lead, mentor, and directly support a team of data scientists, data analysts, and research analysts in delivering data science products and services across a wide array of applications and projects
• Manage foundational, cross-cutting data science projects, including projects focused on enablement, operationalization, and capacity-building
• Provide strategic advice, guidance, and supports to ministry leadership to build and maintain data science functions
• Serve as a ministry-wide expert to directly support your colleagues in their data science work and in growing data science knowledge, capacities, and culture

How do I qualify?

Technical Knowledge and Expertise:

You have:
• expert-level knowledge and experience with tools and technologies associated with data science, such as deployment platforms, version control systems, and business intelligence/dashboarding tools.
• expert-level knowledge and experience working with at least one data science programming language (e.g. Python, R, Scala) to explore, understand, and build analytic models from data assets of varying size, type, and quality.
• knowledge of data management principles, technologies, and best practices for working with high-volume structured and unstructured data.
• knowledge of principles of software engineering as they apply to data science models in production environments.

Analytics Knowledge and Expertise:

You have:
• expert-level knowledge and experience applying data science approaches, methods, and techniques for descriptive, exploratory, and predictive analytics.
• knowledge and experience in applying machine learning approaches, methods, and techniques for supervised and unsupervised applications.
• knowledge of mathematical foundations of common data science modelling approaches.
• the ability to learn public sector policy and program research, development, and analysis principles, practices and methods.

Leadership Skills:

You have:
• experience providing advice, guidance, and coaching to colleagues working on analytics or data science projects.
• experience providing advice and guidance to senior management on capacity-building, project portfolio management, and strategic planning.

Communication, Consultation and Negotiation Skills:

You have:
• expert-level knowledge and experience in data storytelling and communication through different mediums – for example, dashboards, briefings, reports, and slide decks.
• experience communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical colleagues, particularly to support training and growth.
• consultation, consensus-building and networking skills to maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• persuasion and influencing skills to convince stakeholders of project relevance and necessity.
• negotiation, conflict management and consensus-building skills to resolve contentious issues, maximize team/stakeholder contribution, achieve consensus, and produce required deliverables.

Project Management Skills:

You have:
• experience working on projects with diverse project teams and stakeholder groups as well as competing priorities.
• knowledge of structured project management approaches such as PMBOK, Agile, etc.
• the ability to learn project portfolio management to guide and ensure completion of multiple concurrent projects.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Thursday, February 18, 2021 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.