Lead Data Scientist
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
We are currently looking for a Lead Data Scientist to join our Technology and Service Operations Function within the Digital and Technology group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 7/8 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment., * Design, develop, deploy, and evaluate data science and machine learning solutions using software such as Python, R, and SQL, as this role will focus on building models, algorithms and data science tooling.
- Provide professional leadership to a team of data professionals, ensure their continuing development, provide visible leadership, and achieve performance which aligns with the strategic goals of the Agency. Develop and drive the strategic direction and priorities of the function.
- Continually assess and enhance the design of data science solutions for data processing and analysis. Proficiency in advanced data science frameworks including TensorFlow and scikit-learn, and practical exposure to Generative AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Computer Vision techniques.
- Leverage complex and heterogeneous datasets to generate actionable insights, robust evidence, and decision support tools.
- Design systems, processes, and tools for statistical based modelling and analysis, tailored to the range of datasets relevant to regulatory decision-making including the use of common data models and tools to develop a rapid analytics capability.
- Work cross-functionally to address key regulatory opportunities throughout the product lifecycle for example (a) forecasting potential adverse drug reactions in clinical trial narratives (b) in creation of synthetic data (c) anomaly detection in device registration data.
- Engage effectively with external stakeholders and enhance the Agency's ability to deliver its goals within the broader ecosystem, ensuring that patient safety is a shared responsibility., * Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank.
- Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
- Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles., Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:
- Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
- Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
- Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
- Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.
Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.
Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.
The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.
Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.
Requirements
- Changing and Improving (I)
- Leadership (I)
- Communicating and Influencing (I)
Experience Criteria:
- Extensive experience in the design, development, deployment, and evaluation of data science solutions (A, I, P)
- Knowledge of analytical methods and/or modelling of large, complex datasets (A, I, P)
- Experience of supervision and/or line management of data professionals, leading them in identifying areas in which to do impactful applied data science and AI work, and ensure delivery of that work, with robust quality assurance and rigorous adherence to ethical standards (A, I, P)
- Experience of leading/developing complex, multi-faceted data science projects with clear evidence of impact (A, I, P)
- Understanding of how data visualisations can be used to convey complex and nuanced information (A, I, P)
- Experience of communicating complex technical concepts to a wide range of stakeholders both internally and externally (A, I, P)
- Championing ethical data and AI practices, ensuring responsible, safe and transparent use (A, I, P)
Technical Criteria:
- Strong proficiency in translating research methods into delivering scalable outputs, products or outcomes, which demonstrate support for an organisation's objectives (A, I, P)
- Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R (A, I, P)
- Strong proficiency in major software libraries used for data science, statistics and machine learning (A, I, P)
- Strong proficiency in using ML frameworks and relevant techniques (A, I, P)
- Strong proficiency of ethical ML data practices (A, I, P)
- Either proficient in MLOps/MLE practices OR an understanding of software development, version control, virtual environments, technical documentation, automation and testing (A, I, P)
- Good understanding of analytical methods, data engineering and related disciplines, including Agile software development to enable better data science outcomes (A, I, P)
- Knowledge of DAX, PowerQuery & SQL (Desirable) (I)
- PhD or Master's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics or Computer Science (Desirable) (I), Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
