Senior Data Scientist

We are currently looking for aSenior Data Scientist to join ourScientific Data & Insight Functionwithin the Safety & Surveillance group.

This is a full-timeopportunity on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade Canary Wharf London E14 4PU.

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.

Who are we

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices underpinned by science and research.

To deliver effectively on our central mission of protecting public health we need robust vigilance processes that are able to quickly detect monitor and evaluate safety signals across the product lifecycle the ability to critically evaluate the benefit/risk balance of signals of concern and design effective risk mitigations to communicate effectively to patients and the public and a healthcare system able to implement them. The Safety and Surveillance Group brings together into a single integrated structure expertise on the safety of all medical products with enforcement capabilities. These functions are supported by the Agencys data and evidence generating capabilities complementing our signal generating abilities delivered via the common vigilance platform SafetyConnect.

Safety remains at the heart of all our decision making across the product life cycle. The central mission of the Safety & Surveillance portfolio is to protect the public by appropriately identifying assessing and managing the risks associated with medical every aspect of this work we harness the best science technology information and professional practice to protect patients in new and impactful ways.

In support of this mission the Scientific Data & Insight (SD&I) function is responsible for developing expertise in house to deliver evidence to underpin these new approaches. Quality and speed of regulatory decision making is dependent on having access to high-quality representative data in a timely fashion but also being able to access and analyse in house data and information in the most effective way. A critical aspect of this work will include the exploration and application of new analytical methodologies including AI and machine learning methods such as natural language processing large language models and computer modelling and simulation approaches. Hence developing and strengthening capacity and capability in data science within MHRA is a key strategic objective to ensure we are best placed to address the future evidence generation needs for both medicines and devices.

Whats the role

The post holder is responsible for leading a team of data scientists. This involves developing innovative and novel analytical approaches including state of the art machine learning AI and simulation methods improve the agencys activities in Safety and Surveillance.

Key responsibilities:

• Line manage and lead a team of device data researchers and data scientists in applying analytical methods to patient data collated through vigilance systems to support assessment of the safety of medicines and medical devices and advise on the refinement of AI tools for data processing.

• Support the implementation of new analytical approaches to better interrogate incident reporting data including the development of automated analytical approaches.
• Interact across the Agency and with external stakeholders to optimise device data quality encouraging collaboration across areas.

• Working with vigilance scientists developers and epidemiologists to optimise vigilance reporting systems including the application machine learning where appropriate.

Who are we looking for

Oursuccessful candidatewill have the following:

• Leadership: Effectively lead and develop data scientists; promotes collaboration knowledge sharing and a resultsdriven team environment.

• Experience in analysing and interpreting data from various sources to support decisions.

• Experience in leading a team of data scientists and achieving through others.

• Strong experience of using machine learning or data science to analyse and model large datasets.
• A PhD in Data Science Statistics Machine Learning Computer Science or a similar quantitative discipline or demonstrable equivalent professional experience.

• Expertise in using programming tools such as R Python or Juliato characterise or analyse health data.

• Demonstrable technical knowledge and skills in at least oneof the following domains: mathematical modelling and simulations machine learning deep learning natural language processing Bayesian inference.

Person Specification:

Method of assessment:AApplication IInterview PPresentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Seeing the big picture (A I P)

• Leadership(A I P)

• Communicating and Influencing(A I P)

Experience Criteria:

• Experience of leading a team of machine learning scientists and achieving through others.(A I P)

• Strong experience of using machine learning or data science to analyse and model large datasets.(A I P)

• Strong experience of working collaboratively within multidisciplinary data science teams and delivering results ina timelyway.(A I P)

• Demonstrable experience of communicating complex concepts and results effectively to a wide range of stakeholders.(A I P)

• Proven ability to independently produce well-focused scientific reviews and presentations.(A I P)

• Experience in writing grant proposals is desirable.(A I P)

• Experience of research using health related data sources and developing and implementing data analysis strategies.(A I P)

• Experience in leadingprojectsto timedemonstratingefficient and effective organisation and delivery skills. (A I P)

Technical Criteria:

• A PhD in Data Science Statistics Machine Learning Computer Science or a similar quantitative discipline or demonstrable equivalent professional experience.(A I P)

• Expertise in using programming tools such as R Python or Julia to characterise or analyse data preferably health data.(A I P)

• Deep understanding of data science best practice.(A I P)
• Proficiency in scalable data analysis for example using high performance computing.

• Demonstrable technical knowledge and skills in at least oneof the following domains: Machine learning deep learning natural language processing Bayesian inference.(A I P)

Strengths Criteria

• Change Agent (I)

• Catalyst (I)

• Strategic (I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

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The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidatesfind out more here.

• Online application form including questions based on theBehaviour 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. Our applications are CV blind and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.

• 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 theBehaviour Experience Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of:PhD in Data Science Statistics Machine Learning Computer Science or a similar quantitative discipline or demonstrable equivalent professional experience.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allowsufficienttime. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application however all examples and statements provided must be truthful factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others or generated by artificial intelligence as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see ourcandidate guidancefor more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process please contact as soon as possible.

Closing date:01 March 2026

Shortlisting date: From 02 March 2026

Interview date:19 March 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questionsplease contact

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality information on whether you are able to apply is availablehere.

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 completebasic personnel security standard checks.

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 applicants 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 eligibilityhere.

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.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointmenton the basis ofmerit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint you should firstly contact

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ