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Lead Data Scientist – Virtual Models

QIMA


Job Location:

London - UK

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 20 October 2026 (6 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 17 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

We are looking for a Lead Data Scientist Virtual Models to take ownership of this programme from the start.

This is a hands-on role for an experienced data scientist who wants to build something new. You will assess existing datasets across QIMAs Business Units identify the most promising opportunities develop proof-of-concept models and prepare them for use by internal teams and ultimately by clients.

Initial applications may include models related to:

  • skin;
  • hair follicles;
  • longevity;
  • prostate cancer;
  • immunology.

You will work closely with Managing Directors laboratory scientists and QIMAs IT and AI experts. Scientific validation will be carried out in collaboration with independent laboratory teams.

Key responsibilities

  • Review and assess proposals from QIMAs Business Units.
  • Examine the underlying data in detail including its quality structure consistency depth and breadth.
  • Recommend one or two models with the strongest potential for development subject to approval by the CEO of QIMA Life Sciences.
  • Build and manage the required data pipelines.
  • Clean structure integrate and analyse complex biological datasets.
  • Develop machine learning models and proof of concepts.
  • Identify data gaps and recommend additional experiments where needed. Work with laboratory scientists to help define these experiments including the required data measurements and quality criteria.
  • Establish clear validation criteria and prepare models for independent scientific validation.
  • Improve the models through repeated testing and iteration.
  • Ensure that code data and models are reproducible traceable and properly documented.
  • Present results clearly to scientific technical commercial and non-specialist audiences.
  • Support the preparation of a model for future commercialisation either as a SaaS product or as a service supporting replacing or complementing wet-lab assays.
  • Contribute to the documentation and protection of intellectual property related to the models pipelines and methods.

This role will initially be an individual contributor position. As the programme grows you may help build and lead a team of additional data scientists.

First objectives

Within the first six months you will be expected to:

  • assess the main model proposals and their underlying datasets;
  • recommend the one or two strongest projects;
  • establish a proof of concept for one or two models.

Within 12 to 15 months the objective will be to prepare at least one model for potential commercialisation. This should include sufficient scientific validation an interface usable internally and complete documentation or detailed operator training.


Qualifications :

You have:

  • a PhD in data science biostatistics bioinformatics machine learning or a related field;
  • 810 years of experience in data science biostatistics and machine learning;
  • a proven track record of delivering complex machine learning projects using complex biological datasets;
  • strong experience building data pipelines assessing data quality identifying limitations and defining what additional data is needed;
  • experience working with scientists and translating scientific questions into data and modelling approaches;
  • excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly to non-specialists;
  • ideally experience presenting work to clients partners or other external stakeholders;
  • a practical entrepreneurial and hands-on approach;
  • the ability to work independently and take ownership of an ambiguous new project.

Experience in a specific therapeutic area is not essential. The most important requirements are strong technical expertise experience with biological data and the ability to turn complex datasets into useful validated models.

Strong Python or R skills including production-quality version-controlled code. Experience with cloud data platforms (we use Snowflake) and MLOps practices.

Why join QIMA

This is an opportunity to build a new capability from the ground up and shape how QIMA uses its biological data. You will have direct access to senior leadership laboratory experts and technical teams with the autonomy to define the approach and deliver tangible results.

The role will be based in Europe and will require travel depending on project needs to QIMA laboratories in France Northern Ireland and Germany.

 


Additional Information :

Does this describe you Then we want to hear from you as soon as possible! Apply now with your CV in English and we can write the next chapter of the QIMA story together!


Remote Work :

No


Employment Type :

Full-time


About Company

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QIMA is more than a testing, inspection, certification, and compliance company: We are on a mission to offer clients smart solutions to make products consumers can trust. With a global reach spanning 100+ countries, QIMA serves the consumer products, food and life sciences industries ... View more

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