Principal Data Scientist

Barts Health NHS Trust; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Barts Health NHS Trust is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to lead innovative AI projects in healthcare. The role involves managing a data science team and developing products that enhance patient care, supported by a significant funding initiative. This fixed-term contract offers a unique opportunity to impact health and care through research and technology.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and implementing impactful research and technical policies.
• Leading complex data science projects with multiple stakeholders in a hospital setting.
• Knowledge of regulations concerning patient data in research.

Responsibilities

• Lead the data science aspects of PharosAI at Barts Health.
• Manage a skilled Data Science team as maternity cover until May 2026.
• Work closely with clinical teams, academic partners, and patient groups.

Skills

Data Science

Artificial Intelligence

Research Communication

Education

PhD or equivalent in a relevant field

Job description

Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in the country and a leading healthcare provider in Britain.

Our NHS hospital group is embarking on a new phase of improvement, aiming to become an outstanding organization with a global clinical reputation. Having moved out of special measures, we are now focused on continuously enhancing our services for patients.

Our vision is to be a high-performing NHS hospital group, known for excellence and innovation, providing safe and compassionate care in east London and beyond. We prioritize patient safety, high standards of harm-free care, and being an outstanding workplace guided by our WeCare values.

Barts Health supports the Pregnancy Loss Pledge and is committed to supporting staff through miscarriage-related distress.

Job overview

We offer an exciting opportunity at the forefront of life sciences innovation in east London. We seek a talented Principal Data Scientist to lead the data science aspects of PharosAI at Barts Health. The role involves joining a growing team focused on AI and healthcare data applications to develop innovative products and services.

The project is funded with £4.3m from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, supporting AI development using data from the Barts Health Data Platform and local tissue bank. The datasets will enable researchers to develop and validate AI algorithms for the benefit of patients locally and beyond. The role touches on artificial intelligence and clinical benefits.

Interview date: 1st July 2025

Main duties of the job

Barts Life Sciences aims to transform health and care through research, innovation, and technology, involving partnerships with patients, primary care, academia, and the community to deliver broad health, economic, and social benefits.

The successful candidate will initially cover the Barts Life Sciences Lead Data Scientist role as maternity cover until May 2026, managing a skilled Data Science team. Post-May 2026, the focus will shift solely to PharosAI.

As part of Barts Life Sciences, the role provides access to data, resources, and collaborations to impact patient care positively, working closely with clinical teams, academic partners, and patient groups.

Working for our organization

Barts Health is a leading NHS trust with a vision of excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. We are committed to an inclusive, supportive environment aligned with our WeCare values, promoting diversity and belonging.

We especially welcome applications from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, as they are underrepresented at this band.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This is a 32-month fixed-term contract, with the actual duration adjusted based on the hiring process. The full job description and person specification are available in the attached documents.

To discuss this opportunity further, contact Dr. Sophie Williams, Lead Data Scientist, at [e-mail].

Person specification

Experience

• Developing and implementing impactful research and technical policies
• Leading complex data science projects with multiple stakeholders in a hospital setting

Knowledge

• Regulations concerning patient data in research

Communication

• Presenting research findings at conferences or large groups

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field

We value inclusion and promote an equitable working environment where staff can thrive. We support applications under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. Please note, applications may close early once sufficient responses are received.