Operational Researcher - Central Government

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OPERATIONAL RESEARCHER 

• Design and build of models to represent services such as paper capture, field operations and contact centre.
• Working with Census service teams to define how operational processes and constraints are represented in the models.
• Taking part in the coordination of inputs and assumptions across multiple analytical teams to ensure a coherent evidence base.
• Undertaking model experimentation and analysis to test alternative statistical or operational design choices and assess their implications.
• Ownership of the technical quality, relevance and timeliness of the model outputs.
• Building effective working relationships across statistical, operational and census programme level teams.
• Translating complex operational and behavioural concepts into robust modelling logic.
• Supporting knowledge sharing and contributing to the continuous improvement of modelling practices within the team.
• Communicating modelling approaches, assumptions and results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Maintaining code and documentation including assumptions and decision logs.
• Validating model outputs against historical, test or rehearsal data where possible.
• Ensuring code and configuration are version controlled.
• Coding, reviewing and improving model components and supporting analytical pipelines.
• Selecting appropriate modelling techniques and approaches, including determining the level of model detail required to address user needs while maintaining analytical value and practicality.
• Responsibility for delivery of a key analytical component of the overall strategic modelling for Census 2031.
• Engaging with stakeholders across ONS to understand requirements, align assumptions and ensure models remain fit for purpose.