Statistics & Data Science Innovation Hub - Data Science Leader

Site Name: UK - London - New Oxford Street, UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage. Posted Date: Nov

We are looking for a Statistics & Data Science Innovation Hub - Data Science Leader to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity to channel your passion for innovation in the field of Statistics and Data Science to help shape the future of the Biostatistics function and transform the way in which GSK uses data and quantitative thinking to drive decision-making in R&D.

Biostatistics is the single-largest functional group of Statisticians, Programmers and Data Scientists within GSK R&D, numbering approx. 900 permanent people in the US, UK, Europe and India. Our mission is to put statistical thinking at the heart of R&D decision-making; to ensure that predictive models and well-designed experiments and trials deliver robust evidence as the input to those decisions - ultimately making the R&D process more efficient. We are investing in our cutting edge innovation capabilities by expanding the Statistics & Data Science Innovation Hub (SDS-IH) led by Prof Nicky Best. The vision of SDS-IH is to be the catalyst for innovation and advanced data driven decision making. To achieve this, we are forming agile teams dedicated to untangling and resolving complex data challenges across R&D, constructing robust data pipelines, comprehensive analytics, and dynamic dashboards to enable stakeholders to take data informed decisions in real time.

At the heart of SDS-IH lies a diverse coalition of Statisticians and Data Scientists - a synthesis of unique skills and experiences. Together, we are the architects of novel quantitative methodologies, systems, and tools - a living embodiment of our vision.

About the Role

We are building something exciting! Our new Data Science Innovation for R&D Operations pillar is transforming how GSK makes decisions across its R&D operations. We have already delivered high impact solutions in Clinical Operations, Finance, and Resource Management-and we are just getting started.

As a Data Science Leader, you will be at the forefront of this transformation, using cutting edge ML, statistical modeling, and GenAI to solve complex operational challenges that directly improve how we deliver medicines to patients. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise to problems that matter, working in a fast paced, collaborative environment with some of the brightest minds in the industry.

We create a place where people can grow, be their best, be safe, and feel welcome, valued and included. We offer a competitive salary, an annual bonus based on company performance, healthcare and wellbeing programmes, pension plan membership, and shares and savings programme.

We embrace modern work practises; our Performance with Choice programme offers a hybrid working model, empowering you to find the optimal balance between remote and in office work.

In this role you will:

• Design and implement advanced statistical models for clinical operations, utilizing techniques such as Bayesian modeling, survival analysis, and machine learning.
• Develop high quality, production ready code to ensure scalability and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify needs and align model development efforts with business objectives.
• Disseminate research findings through publications in leading scientific journals and presentations at conferences.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to enhance ongoing projects in Clinical Operations and expand organizational capabilities.

Basic Qualifications & Skills

• PhD (or equivalent) in statistics, data science, computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven expertise in advanced statistical modeling, including Bayesian methods, survival analysis, and/or modern machine learning techniques.
• Strong publication record in peer reviewed scientific journals, conferences, or other credible proceedings.
• Hands on experience developing and deploying robust R or Python packages into production environments, with proficiency in version control tools.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Expertise in translating business challenges into actionable insights through data driven approaches.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical R&D or the healthcare industry, with a strong focus on clinical trial operations.
• Proven ability to influence, engage, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across varying levels of seniority.
• A highly analytical problem solver with a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Proficient in leveraging High Performance Computing (HPC) environments to execute computationally intensive methods and manage large scale simulations.
• Exceptional project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and thrive in dynamic, fast paced environments.

Closing Date for Applications: 8th December 2025 EOD

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.