Lead Data Scientist - Drug Discovery

Your new company

This cutting-edge data science firm is driving transformation in life sciences through methodological excellence and innovation. Its research division is a hub for scientific exploration, where novel statistical techniques are developed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in genomics and drug discovery. The organisation values intellectual curiosity, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the pursuit of rigorous, reproducible science. They are looking for a Lead Data Scientist with a strong statistical methodology background to join their expanding team.

Your new role As Lead Data Scientist, you will be a driving force behind the creation of new statistical methodologies. You will:

• Lead the development of original statistical models tailored to complex genomic data

• Guide the integration of novel methods into pipelines

• Ensure methodological transparency and reproducibility across all research outputs

• Communicate the rationale and impact of new techniques to stakeholders and collaborators both internally and at clients

• Align scientific innovation with engineering and product development goals

• Work on projects to support drug discovery & development projects for a variety of clients within the pharmaceutical and biotech space

• Represent the organisation in academic and industry forums, showcasing methodological breakthroughs

This is a permanent role that can be fully home based from anywhere in the UK.

What you'll need to succeed

• A PhD (or equivalent experience) in statistics, maths, physics, data science, computing, statistical genetics or a related field with a strong methodological focus

• A track record of developing statistical models for genomic / biological research, preferably within a target identification or target validation setting

• Proven track record of innovation in statistical methodology, evidenced by publications, tools or project delivery

• Advanced coding skills in a language such as R or python and experience with statistical computing environments

• Deep expertise in methods such as GWAS, causal inference, polygenic risk scores, pathway analysis, Mendelian randomisation, etc

• Experience deploying methods in cloud-based infrastructures (AWS, Azure, GCP)

• The ability to communicate complex statistical ideas clearly

What you'll get in return You'll be joining a highly experienced team doing cutting-edge work to support drug discovery & development efforts at a wide range of pharmaceutical and biotech companies. As well as lots of opportunities to develop your skills and career, this role offers a good package and the chance to make a significant impact.

What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

Keywords: Statistical, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Data, Scientist, Lead, Senior, GWAS, Polygenic, Risk, Score, Mendelian, Randomisation, Causal, Inference, Computational, Biology, Genetic, Epidemiology, Variant, Annotation, Pathway, Enrichment, Protein, Interaction, Networks, Biobank, Research, Modelling, Development