The wealth of data which is generated by TfL’s systems — from Oyster card taps to train carriage temperatures — should be intrinsically interesting to a Data Scientist, whose job it is to discover underlying patterns and present valuable information to our customers and internal teams. Your approach to analyses will be constantly developing to keep up with the latest machine learning and big data techniques, however you will be expected to build on solid statistical foundations and mathematical skills.
Data science is used in a variety of ways across TfL and excellent communication skills are required to understand new problems and projects and work with a wide variety of people. As experts in the company’s data, you will be expected to take the lead in shaping analysis, forming imaginative proposals, and delivering in a timely manner.
Computer code underpins all the work that you do, with R, Python and SQL used most often. You will need a deep understanding of statistics, a numerical mind, and excellent reasoning skills to succeed, but you will be supported by a strong analytical community and training opportunities to reach your potential.
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.
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 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.
Where can this career take me?
Upon completing the scheme, we would expect you to roll-off directly into one of our data science 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 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 manager: Responsible for your day-to-day management and support with your development
- Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility
- Buddy: Usually, an apprentice or graduate who gives support to you and ensure that you feel welcomed in the organisation
- Development adviser: Supports your professional development through providing career coaching and career progression at TfL
Salary
£31,000, rising to £32,250 in the second year.
Location
London/Hybrid
Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50% 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
- 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
You must 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++ and Scala
Start date
8th September 2025
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.
