Data Science Graduate Scheme

Jemima Clifford was asked what a typical day on the scheme looked like:  

‘On the data science graduate scheme my day-to-day varied hugely! Sometimes it was a day full of problem solving and trying to fix one tricky bit of code that just didn't want to run. Sometimes I'd take the day to research a new modelling technique that I wanted to try, or I might have been on a training course learning a new coding language. Sometimes I'd be in the office and have a day full of meetings with stakeholders and colleagues where I’d get to present my work or listen to others share theirs. Or sometimes I’d have a quiet day working from home and just get my head down and tick off everything on my to-do list. Two days were rarely the same! ‘ 

Jemima rolled off the Data Science scheme into TfL's centralised data science team as an Associate Data Scientist, where she worked on text summarisation of survey data using a large language model (LLM), to save colleague time in manually summarising the survey results. After one year, she was successful in securing the role of Environment & Sustainability Data Manager, where she is responsible for improving data governance and analytical insights of TfL's carbon data to support carbon reduction. This was a new role created after the need for it was identified by a placement Jemima undertook working with environmental data demonstrated the need for this data to be managed properly - another success of the scheme! 

John Galve described what he learned on the scheme: ‘Being on the data science graduate scheme made me realise just how much is encapsulated in the different skills you need for the role. You need to have a good understanding of coding, mathematical reasoning, communicating your results to stakeholders of varying technical knowledge - the list goes on! It has been great to work on meaningful projects in which data can provide better insight for current and future decision making. The role is something that makes me feel challenged and want to help make a positive difference in how Transport for London keeps the city moving.’ 

John rolled off the Data Science scheme into TfL’s Streets & Network Operations data science team. He has worked on a variety of projects to improve the operation of London's road network, including the borough lane rental scheme, developing a bus route performance tool, and a bus route Graph Neural Network model to enable the more accurate mapping of bus routes. 

Salary 

£32,250 per annum increasing to £33, 500 in the second year 

Location 

London/Hybrid  
 

Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a four-week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements. 

What we offer 
 

You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include: 

• Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household  

• Final salary pension scheme  

• Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel 

• Minimum 30 days annual leave (pro-rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays 

• Private healthcare discounted scheme  

• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme 

• Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more 

Duration  

2 years  

Entry requirements  

• Already hold or be on track to achieve minimum of a 2:1 in a highly numerate degree or a degree with a significant numerate and / or computational component; and 

• Examples of using big data, applying data science techniques, or programming experience e.g. R, Python, SQL, Java, C/C++, Scala 

Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme, as at the start date.  This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa scheme.  If you do not have the right to work in the UK, or only have a right to work here for a limited time which is lesser than the duration of the scheme, you should be aware that TfL will be unable to sponsor you for this role.  

Start Date 

6th September 2027 

Job overview 

As a Data Scientist at TfL, you could work on a wide range of real-world challenges, from improving customer features in the TfL Go app and optimising bus schedules to forecasting travel demand and using image and operational data to better understand and manage TfL assets. You will apply data science and machine learning techniques to help improve the experience, safety and reliability of London's transport network. 

The wealth of data generated by TfL's systems, from Oyster card taps to train carriage temperatures, should be intrinsically interesting to a Data Scientist, whose role is to uncover patterns, solve complex problems and turn data into actionable insights for customers and colleagues. Your approach to analysis will continually evolve to keep pace with advances in machine learning, AI and big data technologies, while remaining grounded in strong statistical and mathematical foundations. 

Data science is used across TfL, and strong communication skills are essential for understanding business challenges, collaborating with stakeholders and delivering impactful outcomes. As experts in data and analytics, you'll help shape solutions, influence decisions and drive innovation across the organisation. 

Computer programming and data platforms underpin all aspects of the role, with Python and SQL used extensively alongside modern cloud, data and analytics technologies. You'll need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a solid understanding of statistics, and curiosity about emerging technologies. You will be supported by a strong analytical community and a wide range of development opportunities to help you reach your potential. 

What will I be doing?  

The graduate scheme will consist of 4 placements of roughly 6 months each with the option to choose your business areas and projects of interest in your second year. Within each placement you will be introduced to new projects, datasets, and tools and you will be expected to deliver impactful work whilst simultaneously learning the skills you will need. 

Data Science is embedded across the organisation, and you can expect to work in several areas such as: 

• Customer analytics — Understanding how customers move around our network using data generated by tap-in-tap-out customer data, phones connecting to the Underground’s WiFi network, train weight sensors and surveys. You could be asked to improve our capability for real-time journey planning, optimise station retail, crowd management, or forecast commuter behaviour.  

• Operational support — Improving the reliability and efficiency of our infrastructure using smart condition monitoring, usage statistics, probabilistic models of failure impact, to optimise maintenance and investment programmes. 

• Environment and safety — TfL is committed to delivering safe and sustainable public transport and roads, and quality data analysis is crucial for designing safer junctions, reducing our energy use, and mitigating against future climate. 

• Strategic modelling — Decisions around line closures, major investment, and bus route alterations have a huge impact on our customers and data modelling techniques are vital to inform business cases and guide multi-billion-pound programmes.  

Sustainability 

Sustainability is intrinsic to TfL’s work ethos, and we ensure that we operate in a sustainable way to protect and regenerate the natural world. 

Where can this career take me? 

• Upon completing the scheme, we would expect you to roll-off directly into one of our data science or data analytics teams. There will continue to be opportunities to grow and explore new areas, and collaboration between teams is encouraged.  

• Equally, you may decide to specialise or progress to managing a small team of data scientists. Transport for London is a large organisation with many options for future development and projects to maintain your high level of curiosity. 

What training and support will you get? 

Our award-winning data science teams will support your ongoing development, through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. We'll support your professional development through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking. 

You'll also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from your: 

• Placement managers: Responsible for your day-to-day workload and management, and supports your technical development as a Data Scientist 

• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who stays with you throughout the two-year scheme, and acts as a technical and professional advisor 

• Buddy: Usually, a current or former graduate who provides informal support to you and ensures that you feel welcomed in the organisation 

• Development adviser: Supports you with HR matters and generic career development  

What do we look for? 

Our core values are extremely important to us, and we desire candidates who are: 

• Caring about our colleagues, our customers and our work 

• Open to each other, to new ideas and to working together 

• Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate 

Application process 

The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments which will need to be completed within an allocated time frame. We highly recommend that you read through this document thoroughly so that you can familiarise yourself with the process.  

Please click on this link for which describes each stage of the Graduates Application Process  

If you already hold your qualification certificates, please upload copies of these to your application. If you are due to sit final exams or need to replace any certificates, these must be provided at a later stage.  

You will receive information and guidance around each assessment stage as you progress through your application.    

Please pay close attention to emails and deadlines provided noting you have 1 week to complete online assessments and we cannot re-issue these tests once the deadline passes.   

Assessment centres for graduates and intern roles will take place from December-January, please note that many roles only have 1 assessment day and we are unable to guarantee alternative dates. We are conducting assessment centres in person and virtually (role dependent). 

Our city. Made better by you.   

TfL is a place that’s open to your ideas. Where you can make a tangible impact and see the positive results of your work on the people and places around you. It’s a place where you can thrive and achieve. Where you’re encouraged and enabled and empowered to feel pride in the work you do. The clue is in the name, really. We work together for a better London. A better place for everyone. Constantly improving and enhancing how we operate to shape a city of the future.