Lead Data Scientist - Drug Discovery
| Posting date: | 11 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 September 2025 |
| Location: | Fully home based in UK, London, EC2V 6DB |
| Remote working: | Fully remote |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4715078_1754921043 |
Summary
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, Method