Lead Data Scientist

We are currently looking for a Lead Data Scientist to join our Technology and Service Operations Function within the Digital and Technology group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 7/8 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP.  

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. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment. 

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.  

The Digital and Technology Group (DTG) lies at the heart of the Agency and is responsible for delivering an optimised IT infrastructure and maximising the secure use of data to enable our scientists, inspectors, and the rest of the organisation to deliver world class services which can improve outcomes for patients and the general public. The Group was essential in the race to approve COVID-19 vaccines in 2020 and in supporting the UK to set up its own medicines and devices approvals systems following our exit from the EU. The work we do matters!  

Its centre of excellence is also responsible for delivering a broad portfolio of change initiatives, both to transform the Agency’s legacy technologies and to deliver innovative new solutions, designed around our customers’ needs. DTG works in a holistic way to combine digital and technology change, data and information management, project delivery, business process, product management and cultural change to maximise out impact and ensure sustainability.  

We plan to be at the heart of one of the most digitally advanced medical regulators in the world and we need people who can help us deliver that ambition. DTG is a great place to build your career and we are committed to enabling our people to do the best work of their lives.  

The Technology & Service Operations function is responsible for managing the existing IT infrastructure including both software and hardware, databases, and other technology platforms; leading the support and maintenance of applications; development and testing of new applications and platforms; and cyber and information security for the Agency.  

What’s the role? 

This role will involve leading a team of 8+ data professionals, specialising mainly in data analysis and visualisation; as well as a small, dedicated data engineering team. This role will lead the way the MHRA derives insights from its vast data sets and how modern data science techniques, ML and AI approaches can produce positive outcomes for the agency and the safety of the general public. This role will help in building data capability within the TSO team and drive data science opportunities to improve how MHRA meets its strategic objectives of protecting public health. At the same time, the role will nurture and enhance the work of data professionals currently working on data analytics, data engineering and data visualisations. The successful candidate will also work closely with software engineering professionals to develop models that can be incorporated into digital services and products in a safe, ethical, and responsible manner.  

Key responsibilities: 

• Design, develop, deploy, and evaluate data science and machine learning solutions using software such as Python, R, and SQL, as this role will focus on building models, algorithms and data science tooling. 

• Provide professional leadership to a team of data professionals, ensure their continuing development, provide visible leadership, and achieve performance which aligns with the strategic goals of the Agency. Develop and drive the strategic direction and priorities of the function. 

• Continually assess and enhance the design of data science solutions for data processing and analysis. Proficiency in advanced data science frameworks including TensorFlow and scikit-learn, and practical exposure to Generative AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Computer Vision techniques. 

• Leverage complex and heterogeneous datasets to generate actionable insights, robust evidence, and decision support tools. 

• Design systems, processes, and tools for statistical based modelling and analysis, tailored to the range of datasets relevant to regulatory decision-making including the use of common data models and tools to develop a rapid analytics capability. 

• Work cross-functionally to address key regulatory opportunities throughout the product lifecycle for example (a) forecasting potential adverse drug reactions in clinical trial narratives (b) in creation of synthetic data (c) anomaly detection in device registration data. 

• Engage effectively with external stakeholders and enhance the Agency’s ability to deliver its goals within the broader ecosystem, ensuring that patient safety is a shared responsibility. 

Person Specification: 

Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation 

Behaviour Criteria:

• Changing and Improving (I)

• Leadership (I)

• Communicating and Influencing (I)

Experience Criteria:

• Extensive experience in the design, development, deployment, and evaluation of data science solutions (A, I, P)

• Knowledge of analytical methods and/or modelling of large, complex datasets (A, I, P)

• Experience of supervision and/or line management of data professionals, leading them in identifying areas in which to do impactful applied data science and AI work, and ensure delivery of that work, with robust quality assurance and rigorous adherence to ethical standards (A, I, P)

• Experience of leading/developing complex, multi-faceted data science projects with clear evidence of impact (A, I, P)

• Understanding of how data visualisations can be used to convey complex and nuanced information (A, I, P)

• Experience of communicating complex technical concepts to a wide range of stakeholders both internally and externally (A, I, P)

• Championing ethical data and AI practices, ensuring responsible, safe and transparent use (A, I, P)

Technical Criteria:

• Strong proficiency in translating research methods into delivering scalable outputs, products or outcomes, which demonstrate support for an organisation’s objectives (A, I, P)

• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R (A, I, P)

• Strong proficiency in major software libraries used for data science, statistics and machine learning (A, I, P)

• Strong proficiency in using ML frameworks and relevant techniques (A, I, P)

• Strong proficiency of ethical ML data practices (A, I, P)

• Either proficient in MLOps/MLE practices OR an understanding of software development, version control, virtual environments, technical documentation, automation and testing (A, I, P)

• Good understanding of analytical methods, data engineering and related disciplines, including Agile software development to enable better data science outcomes (A, I, P)

• Knowledge of DAX, PowerQuery & SQL (Desirable) (I)

• PhD or Master’s Degree in Data Science, Mathematics or Computer Science (Desirable) (I)

Strengths Criteria

• Improver (I)

• Precise (I)

• Problem Solver (I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please click here for further details.

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The selection process: 

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here. 

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, 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. 

• 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 the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. 

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 our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible. 

Closing date: 30^th April 2026

Shortlisting date: from 8^th May 2026

Interview date: from 18^th May 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk 

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

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 complete basic 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 applicant’s 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 eligibility here.

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 careers@mhra.gov.uk.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit 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, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at careers@mhra.gov.uk.   

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk 

info@csc.gov.uk 

Civil Service Commission 

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