Data Scientist

Optos PLC; Dunfermline; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Optos PLC, a leader in retinal imaging, is seeking a Data Scientist to join our R&D team in Dunfermline. You will develop, optimise and evaluate machine learning models and computer vision algorithms for retinal imaging, ensuring integration into our products.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvements in product quality, accuracy and user value. The role requires PhD or equivalent experience, strong Python skills, and experience with ML frameworks like

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Informatics, Mathematics, Physics or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python (essential); C++ (preferred); SQL exposure.
• Experience with PyTorch or TensorFlow (essential); OpenCV, SciPy, Pandas (essential).
• Experience in ML/AI, data analytics, research or equivalent practical experience.
• Algorithms for image processing, signal processing and data analysis in medical imaging or related fields.
• Strong software development principles and ability to communicate complex technical findings.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate and deliver robust ML models and analytical methods for retinal imaging applications.
• Produce clear technical reports including model performance evaluations and experimental designs.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Clinical and other stakeholders to meet product requirements.
• Support commercialisation through product integration, verification and deployment activities.
• Work with clinical research partners to evaluate clinical effectiveness and diagnostic performance.
• Contribute to processes, methodologies and infrastructure for ML and data science activities.

Skills

Python

C++

SQL

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

OpenCV

SciPy

Pandas

Azure Synapse

Job description

When a five-year-old boy was blinded after a regular eye exam failed to spot a retinal detachment, his father made it his life’s work to help eye care professionals by revolutionising retinal imaging. Optos was founded by Douglas Anderson in 1992 with the goal to make a patient-friendly device to quickly capture the entire retina.

The experience of Douglas Anderson is a thread that runs through the company to this day and has resulted in our products being used in nearly 20,000 locations globally. Optomap® shows up to 82% (200°) of the retina in a single-capture, offering unrivalled clarity and Optos is proud to be recognised as the leader in this field.

ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking a talented Data Scientist to join our Research and Development department, based in Dunfermline. In this role, you will develop, optimise and evaluate machine learning models and computer vision algorithms for retinal imaging, ensuring they are successfully integrated into our products. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will support model deployment, verification and ongoing performance assessment, driving continuous improvements to product quality, accuracy and user value.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, evaluate and deliver robust machine learning models and analytical methods for retinal imaging applications, ensuring all solutions are thoroughly documented and suitable for product development and clinical research environments.
• Produce clear and comprehensive technical reports, including model performance evaluations, experimental designs and results, to support product development, verification activities and commercial decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Clinical and other internal stakeholders to ensure machine learning solutions meet defined product requirements, performance standards and business objectives.
• Support the successful commercialisation of machine learning technologies by contributing to product integration, verification, validation and deployment activities.
• Work with clinical research partners and healthcare stakeholders to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and diagnostic performance of machine learning models and analytical methods.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and continuous improvement of processes, methodologies, standards and infrastructure that support machine learning and data science activities.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with external research and technology partners, including universities and commercial organisations, facilitating the transfer of knowledge, data assets, algorithms, prototypes and best practices into the business.
• Identify and explore opportunities to apply data science and analytics to improve business performance, customer outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Stay up to date with emerging research, technological advancements, industry standards and regulatory requirements relevant to machine learning, artificial intelligence and medical imaging.
• Share expertise and insights across the organisation, helping to foster innovation and promote best practices in machine learning and data science.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Informatics, Mathematics, Physics or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong proficiency in relevant programming languages (Python – essential; C++ – preferred; SQL – exposure), tools and technologies (Pytorch or Tensorflow – essential; Opencv, Scipy, Pandas, or equivalent libraries for image processing and data science - essential; MS Azure Synapse – exposure) used in the development of machine learning, image analysis and software solutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence and data analytics, gained through academic research, commercial projects, publications or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience designing, developing and implementing algorithms for image processing, signal processing and data analysis applications ideally within medical imaging or related field.
• Strong understanding of software development principles, including algorithm design, computational methods, visualisation techniques and software engineering best practices.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical and research findings effectively through reports, publications, presentations and stakeholder engagement.
• Good understanding of statistical tools and methods for evaluating algorithm performance and dataset analysis.
• Ability to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application to develop innovative solutions and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex datasets and translate insights into impactful solutions.

BENEFITS

At Optos, we offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits package.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, age or protected veteran status.