Description
By joining our dynamic Scale Enabling Technologies (SET) Team at the forefront of intelligent manufacturing for gene and cell therapies, the the Data Scientist specialising in Machine Learning, Modelling, and AI, will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary data and analytical scientists, as well as bioprocess engineers, to design, build, and deploy cutting-edge predictive models and machine learning solutions. Contributions will directly accelerate the digital transformation of cell and gene therapy manufacturing, advancing our mission to deliver life-changing treatments to patients worldwide.
The Data Scientist specialising in Machine Learning, Modelling, and AI will own the development of robust data pipelines, execute advanced feature engineering, drive rigorous model validation and deployment, and assist with implementing decisions based on model output.
The Data Scientist specialising in Machine Learning, Modelling, and AI will be empowered to extract actionable insights from complex datasets and build scalable, automated decision-making systems, ensuring all analytical solutions adhere to best practices in statistical modelling and machine learning.
Comprehensive training and ongoing development opportunities will be provided to help you excel and grow with us.
The role will will interact with colleagues in Edinburgh as well as at the Stevenage and Braintree Manufacturing Innovation Centres, with occasional travel to these locations as required.
Key Responsibilities
- Working with SET scientists to develop, validate, and deploy predictive models, digital twins, and ML algorithms for process optimisation and quality control
- Build and maintain automated data pipelines for model training, validation and deployment
- Conduct data analysis and statistical testing to identify process improvement opportunities
- Evaluate both established and emerging AI/ML technologies for potential adoption
- Communicate results through clear visualisations, dashboards, and reports both internally and externally via conference participation, publications, etc.
- Maintain code documentation, version control, and reproducibility standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives
- Collaborate with IT and infrastructure teams to ensure scalable and reliable deployment of solutions, as well as with the programme heads to execute on the strategic vision of the company
Experience:
- Strong programming experience in Python and R for data science and machine learning applications
- Strong experience in developing algorithms for supervised and unsupervised learning using machine learning techniques and tools
- Hands-on experience with large language models (LLMs), AI agents, and code assistants to accelerate data analysis, automate workflows, and produce insights
- Hands-on expertise in building and validating data models and simulations, including predictive analytics for complex datasets
- Experience applying data ontology and taxonomy principles to model, organize, and standardize biological and clinical datasets, ensuring semantic consistency and interoperability with industry standards (e.g., FAIR, ISA 95/88, OBO Foundry ontologies
- Ambitious and highly motivated self-starter who is passionate about pushing the boundaries of Industry 4.0 and making a tangible impact in the biotech sector.
- Experience using code version control (e.g., git)
Desirable
- Exposure to bioprocess data such as iPSC, AAV, CAR-T
- Experience in closed-loop control strategies and their implementation
- Working experience in time-series, omics datasets analysis and knowledge graph architecture
- Experience applying model validation strategies to ensure accuracy, reliability, and generalizability of predictive models
- Working experience in ML-specific frameworks (i.e. Tensorflow, pytorch, scipy, etc.)
- Experience working with MATLAB
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- A deep understanding of data structures, formats, manipulation, and best practices when storing and handling it within relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL) or non-relational databases (e.g., Redis)
- Proven ability to apply deep learning techniques to high-dimensional data, resulting in improved predictive accuracy and actionable insights
- Able to engage constructively with colleagues at all levels and across different departments to deliver objectives and to respond to a wide range of customer and management needs
- Has a positive attitude towards learning and personal and professional development
- Keeps up to date with professional knowledge, expertise and best practice
- Has a “roll your sleeves up” attitude towards varying work assignments
- Proven diplomacy skills with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders and able to build strong relationships
- Resilient, with the ability to manage multiple and varied tasks and prioritise workload within a fast-paced professional environment, while maintaining strong attention to detail
- A positive attitude towards learning, personal and professional development
- Keeps up to date with professional knowledge, expertise and best practice
- Highly motivated, pragmatic and practical to support the mission of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult to accelerate the development of a commercial cell and gene-based therapy industry in the UK
- Desire to establish a high-profile career within cell and gene therapy sector and the personal drive to help push the sector to be a commercial success
- Knowledge of ATMPs, bioprocessing, digital twins, chemometric and mechanistic models (desirable)
- Knowledge of data visualization tools (e.g., R Shiny, Plotly) (desirable)
- Awareness of GxP standards, data integrity principles, and regulatory-compliant data environments (desirable)
- Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS or similar) and working with APIs (desirable)
- Understands innovation and the impact of disruptive technologies as well as drivers of change and new ways of working across industry, processes, people, and culture
- A good team player with a hands-on approach, and adaptable to new challenges
- Lead and inspire colleagues
- Ability to quickly establish credibility and build rapport and trust
- Ambitious, collaborative, driven
- Comfortable operating autonomously once goals and objectives are set
- High degree of motivation, problem solving skills and innovative thinking
- Excellent communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced R&D environment.
- Proven ability to deliver high-quality results with limited supervision.
- A good team player easily adaptable to new challenges
- Willingness to travel
Education / Qualifications:
- Relevant experience, including either a PhD or MSc in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Bioinformatics, or related STEM field
CGT Catapult is committed to providing an equal, diverse, and inclusive work environment where everyone’s contributions are valued. We celebrate differences, empower, and inspire everyone, because when everyone is included, everyone wins. In 2024, we received bronze accreditation from Inclusive Employers.
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) is an independent innovation and technology organisation committed to the advancement of cell and gene therapies with a vision of a thriving industry delivering life changing advanced therapies to the world. Its aim is to create powerful collaborations which overcome challenges to the advancement of the sector.
With experts covering all aspects of advanced therapies, it applies its unique capabilities and assets, collaborates with academia, industry and healthcare providers to develop new technology and innovation.
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult works with Innovate UK.
