Data Scientist Mood Clinic | Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust; St Helens; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Data Scientist to advance mood disorder treatments. The role involves applying statistical and machine learning techniques to develop data-driven solutions, improve decision systems, and ensure compliance with NHS standards. Candidates should have substantial experience in scripting and software development, alongside a degree in a relevant field. This position is crucial for shaping innovative mental health care initiatives in St Helens.

Qualifications

• Experience with scripting and software development related to data science.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Proven ability to communicate technical information effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct predictive modeling and improve decision systems.
• Develop visualizations for data communication.
• Ensure compliance with Trust Standards and GDPR.
• Research best practices and innovate solutions.

Skills

Statistical and machine learning techniques

Data visualization

Technical communication

Knowledge of NHS data standards

Education

Relevant degree in Data Science or related field

Tools

Statistical software languages (e.g., Python, R)

Data management systems

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about transforming mental health care and pioneering new treatments for mood disorders?

Step into a vital role at the Mood Disorder Clinic — a cutting-edge facility born from a unique partnership between Mersey Care and the University of Liverpool.

Reporting directly to the Mood Clinic’s Specialty Doctor and accountable to the Principal Investigator, you’ll apply your technical and analytical expertise to advance mood disorder treatments, support the development of sustainable, forward-thinking services that impact some of society’s most vulnerable individuals, and help shape the future of mood disorder treatment locally and beyond, influencing innovation and care delivery.

Responsibilities

1. Conduct predictive modelling using statistical and machine learning techniques in order to build, maintain, and improve on multiple real-time decision systems.
2. Interpret results from the analyses of Trust datasets, suggesting conclusions to be drawn.
3. Develop visualisations to facilitate the communication of results in a non-technical manner.
4. Develop, document andmaintain code using statistical andmachine learning software languages.
5. Identify novel uses of NHS data and implement solutions to deliver fresh insights.
6. Work effectively on your own and as part of the team - contributing innovative ideas and knowledge to your colleagues.
7. Communicate effectively to non-technical colleagues both inside and outside of the Trust in both written and verbal form.
8. A commitment to innovation and good design forms part of the ethos of the Mood Disorder team and the post holder will be expected to participate in a culture of active investigation into better ways of working and service provision.
9. The post holder will be expected to research best practice, interpret the relevance of this to the Trust, and identify methodologies that could be implemented to achieve improvements; this may involve learning new skills as required and staying abreast of current technological developments.
10. The post holder may be required to research user experience, conduct surveys, and analyse the results to support a process of continual improvement to give benefit to users and the trust.
11. Where suitable, seek to publish your work in the public domain in order that the wider healthcare community can benefit from it.
12. Effectively communicate needs and technical limitations with both clients and colleagues.
13. Ensure data science solutions developed, documented and maintained by the team comply with, where applicable, Trust Standards, NHS Data Standards and General Data Protection Regulation GDPR and that they are tested to a high standard before releasing for full business testing, and where applicable, clinical safety sign-off. Documentation will be suitable for the provision of on-going support.
14. Ensure that all routine procedures are implemented and documented.
15. The post holder will design and develop major data science solutions, coordinating and soliciting input from businesses, operational stakeholders and systems, to meet specification of customers across the Trust. They will also be responsible for the maintenance and development of data science solutions and systems that support customers and wider stakeholder groups, using relevant software and ensuring that such development conforms to NHS standards.
16. The post holder will be involved in the full software development lifecycle for data science solutions, products and systems developed and managed by the team.
17. The post holder will be required on appointment to have substantial relevant experience of scripting and / or software development pertinent to data science and may need to undertake additional training to achieve further competency and certification.
18. The post holder will collaborate in a formal system of change management to enable safe transition of information products and systems from design to operation.
19. The post holder will be required to plan and organise a broad range of complex activities and projects which impact across clinical and non-clinical areas e.g., the delivery of new data science solutions. Ability to manage expectations in a challenging environment, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.
20. The post holder will be expected to provide technical guidance and training to others within and outside the team in areas of special expertise in order to facilitate knowledge exchange and mutual development.
21. The post holder will be required to concentrate for long periods on statistical / machine learning analyses and software development, with frequent prolonged VDU usage. Advanced keyboard skills are required, with the additional ability to operate and interact with several complex systems at the same time.
22. Ensure system security is comprehensive and complete.
23. Deputise for relevant senior leadership where applicable and in the relevant contexts.

This advert closes on Sunday 5 Oct 2025