Head of Data Science

Job summary

The Advanced Analytics Unit (AAU) in NHS Arden & GEM CSU is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to lead the Data Science function, a team of data scientists and specialists who focus on delivering value to our customers through modelling, simulation, and automation.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will shape and develop the Data Science service offering, including exploring the use of new technologies; developing innovative tools and products; adopting supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques; utilise diagnostic, predictive, prescriptive and simulation approaches to meet customer requirements; and produce reliable and validated models across large datasets to support targeted interventions. The post-holder will identify research and development projects; scale previously completed work to foster a culture of sharing and replicability; and identify and support new pipeline projects.

About us

We are a multi award-winning organisation that has achieved the prestigious Investors in People Gold Award for 'We invest in people' and 'We invest in wellbeing' and are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We believe that every team member should have the opportunity to contribute and share their ideas.

We reward the hard work and commitment of our people with the following benefits:

A competitive salary with annual pay reviews A generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme Flexible working and family friendly policies, including enhanced parental leave and pay A wide range of in-house and external learning and development opportunities Access to salary sacrifice and discount schemes Access to employee assistance and occupational health services.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Develop and lead the Data Science service, focusing on delivery of innovative, robust, value-adding analytics to enhance decision making Provide expert level Data Science subject matter expertise across the organisation Create strategic plans for the future of the Data Science function in the organisationWork across the Advanced Analytics Unit to deliver a cohesive service Champion the use of data science techniques and lead the professional development of Arden and GEM Data Scientists Develop and champion new initiatives and projects, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement Provide expertise of best practice analytical and statistical methodologies, regulatory requirements, innovation and technological developments Provide senior oversight to team projects and outputs Engage with stakeholders to scope, agree and deliver analytical projects, including writing proposals and delivery against project milestones Work iteratively with customers to test and refine models and validate assumptions

A full list of responsibilities can be found in the Job Description

Person Specification

Education

Essential

Educated to Master's level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist numerical area - data science / health economics / statistics / analytics / operational research / mathematics Extensive knowledge of data science approaches and techniques, acquired through experience or training

Experience

Essential

Significant experience of conducting complex applied analysis in a health setting Demonstrable experience of delivering results through the development and leadership of analytical teams Experience of at least one programming language used for Data Science ( Python/R) Operational experience of SQL

Desirable

Experience of cloud platforms ( Azure, AWS, GCP) and integration with DevOps/MLOps practices such as Git, Docker, CI/CD

Knowledge

Essential

Very good understanding of a range of Machine Learning models and best-practices in training, deployment, and monitoring Knowledge of ML concepts such as Repeatability, Reproducibility, Explainability, Ethics, Model Drift and Telemetry

Desirable

Excellent knowledge of NHS data flows

Skills

Essential

Clear communicator with excellent report writing and analytical presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering technical concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences Highly developed data interpretation skills