Lead Data Scientist

The Lead Data Scientist sits in the Strategic Value Unit at NHS Central East ICB, within a single function shared with the Population Health Unit. The postholder leads data science, using forecasting, machine learning and risk stratification to inform commissioning, population health and evaluation, and assures the models behind them. The post is distinct for its line management of three analysts and its technical oversight of large linked health and care datasets. A Master’s-level quantitative qualification or equivalent specialist experience is expected.

What the job involves

• Provide professional leadership for data science across the Strategic Value Unit and Population Health Unit function
• Lead advanced analytical programmes for strategic planning, commissioning, population health management and evaluation
• Develop and apply forecasting, predictive, risk, segmentation, scenario, simulation and machine-learning methods where they strengthen decisions
• Lead the development and assurance of analytical tools, including segmentation, risk stratification and case-finding
• Set standards for programming, version control, documentation, peer review, model validation and lifecycle management
• Assess model performance, uncertainty, limitations and potential bias
• Translate complex analysis into insights and recommendations for senior leaders, commissioners, clinicians and operational teams
• Work with stakeholders to embed analytical products in decision-making and monitor their continuing effectiveness
• Build analytical capability through line management, coaching, technical supervision and reusable methods
• Provide senior technical oversight of large, linked health and care datasets, including provenance, coding, completeness and linkage quality
• Lead a portfolio of complex analytical work, balancing priorities, risks, dependencies and timescales
• Define the intended use, assumptions and limitations of analytical products, with proportionate validation and review

What’s required

Qualifications

• Master’s-level qualification in a relevant quantitative discipline, or equivalent advanced specialist experience
• Continuing professional development in data science, advanced analytics, programming or related methods

Experience

• Significant experience applying advanced data science, statistical or operational research methods to complex health, care or public-sector problems
• Significant experience of senior technical or professional leadership of complex multidisciplinary analytical programmes
• Strong knowledge of NHS primary and secondary care data, and experience with large linked person-level datasets
• Experience designing, validating and implementing advanced analytical models for strategic or operational decisions
• Experience assessing model performance, uncertainty, limitations and bias, including documentation, review and monitoring
• Experience leading, managing, supervising or developing analytical staff, including setting technical standards

Skills & knowledge

• Advanced programming in R and/or Python, with strong SQL and experience manipulating large datasets
• Reproducible practice using structured code, version control, testing, documentation and peer review
• Interpreting complex findings and drawing defensible conclusions from incomplete or imperfect data

Nice to have

• Relevant professional registration or wider contribution to the data science or analytical profession
• Experience designing or delivering quantitative evaluations of services, programmes or interventions
• Experience applying systems modelling or operational research methods
• Experience deploying analytical models in operational settings or building shared assets with cloud-based tools

What’s offered

• Flexible working options discussed for all roles

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