Data Scientist - Machine Learning

IQVIA; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare analytics firm in London is seeking a Data Scientist to design and implement advanced analytical solutions in life sciences. The role involves using cutting-edge machine learning techniques to extract insights from large-scale medical data and requires strong communication skills. Ideal candidates will have an MSc or PhD in a relevant field and experience in healthcare analytics.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience designing and delivering advanced machine learning projects.
• Strong analytical skills in a commercial life science and healthcare environment.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced analytical solutions for life sciences.
• Use machine learning techniques to derive insights from medical data.
• Collaborate with teams to build scalable routines and libraries.

Skills

Big Data handling

Machine learning methods

Python

SQL

Data science packages (sklearn, pandas, matplotlib)

Education

MSc or PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

AutoML tools

GitLab

Docker

Job description

Overview

Data Scientist — ACOE, Patient & Practitioner Analytics — Paddington, London (Hybrid)

We are looking for a creative, innovative, intellectually curious and entrepreneurial Data Scientist with experience in developing Machine Learning solutions to join our London-based team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in one of the world's leading human data science teams working with Real World Insights to help our clients answer specific questions globally, make more informed decisions and deliver results.

The role

We are looking for a Data Scientist who will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing advanced analytical solutions for complex challenges in the life science domains. The primary focus of the role will be to design and apply cutting-edge machine learning techniques to extract meaningful insights from large-scale, real-world medical data, helping to inform and improve healthcare outcomes. This role requires a strong ability to interpret diverse datasets, identify the most suitable analytical approaches, and deliver robust solutions to tackle multifaceted business problems.

You will be using existing machine learning tools and will be responsible for tailoring them as business problems require. As part of this role, you will also be interacting with internal and external stakeholders from different backgrounds, therefore good technical and non-technical communication skills are crucial.

In addition, the role offers a scope for development in other key areas

• Product Development – collaborating with software engineers, system architects, and fellow data scientists to build scalable, automated routines and libraries.
• Business Development – contribute to business development initiatives through technical support for demos, thought leadership (publications, academic presentations, workshops), and input on project proposals.
• Client Engagement – deliver tailored solutions, generate reports, and communicate findings effectively to meet client needs.

At IQVIA we appreciate and nurture individual talent. Therefore, the exact blend of responsibilities and individual career development will depend in part on the skill set and aspirations of the successful candidate.

Our ideal candidate: Experience

• MSc or PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Physics, Bioinformatics or similar.
• Analytical experience within a top academic or commercial organisation where data-led problem solving was a core part of the role.
• Experience designing and delivering advanced machine learning projects in academic or commercial settings.
• Experience solving problems within commercial life science and healthcare (e.g. prediction of health outcomes such as disease progression, line of therapy, market sizing).
• A proactive, innovative and pragmatic approach to problem solving and an ability to think critically and independently; ability to work as part of a cross-functional team.
• Experience with software development lifecycle, particularly using GitLab.

Our ideal candidate: Skills

• Experienced in handling Big Data.
• Deep knowledge of machine learning methods, particularly gradient boosting classifiers (e.g. XGBoost, LightGBM).
• Capable of developing and using AutoML tools.
• Well versed in explainability methods (e.g. SHAP, LIME, ELI5).
• Skilled in Python/R and SQL.
• Proficient in using data science packages (e.g. sklearn, pandas, matplotlib).
• Exposure to GenAI technologies, including prompt engineering and Agentic AI.
• Ability to write clean and documented code, and to understand and modify existing code bases.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex analytical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, project planning, and attention to detail.

Bonus points for

• Knowledge of pharmaceutical markets and experience with pharmaceutical data (medical, hospital, pharmacy, claims data).
• Familiarity with Linux terminals and containers (e.g. Docker).
• Knowledge of deep learning methods (e.g. CNNs, RNNs, Transformers).
• Knowledge of epidemiology/biostatistics, especially analytical issues relating to treatment effectiveness, disease progression, adherence, healthcare utilization, etc.
• Knowledge of healthcare / life science issues involving Real-World Evidence.

The Team

You will join a high-profile team to work on an artificial intelligence driven predictive analytics software solution. This platform delivers data-driven insights focused on assessing impact and value of evidence and how to optimize evidence strategy. Commercial Solutions are embedded within software to facilitate interpretation of predictions, stakeholder prioritization, and decision making.

Why Join?

You can drive your career at IQVIA and choose the path that best defines your development and success. With exposure across diverse geographies, capabilities, and vast therapeutic and information and technology areas, you can seek opportunities to change and grow without boundaries.

IQVIA is a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We believe that a work environment that embraces diversity will give us a competitive advantage in the global marketplace and enhance our success. We believe that an inclusive and respectful workplace culture fosters a sense of belonging among our employees, builds a stronger team, and allows individual employees the opportunity to maximise their personal potential.

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at