Lead Data Scientist

NHS Central East ICB; Ely; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Central East ICB is looking for a Lead Data Scientist to steer the data science discipline across the Strategic Value Unit and Population Health Unit. You will lead advanced analytics to support strategic commissioning, population health management and evaluation.

The role focuses on developing forecasting, predictive and machine-learning methods, establishing standards, and translating complex analyses into actionable recommendations for senior leaders, clinicians and operations teams.

Qualifications

• Senior data science leadership with strategic impact.
• Experience leading analytical programmes for planning and evaluation.
• Ability to develop forecasting, risk, segmentation, and ML methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership for data science across units.
• Lead advanced analytical programmes supporting planning and evaluation.
• Develop and apply forecasting, risk and ML methods to inform decisions.
• Establish standards for programming, validation, and lifecycle management.
• Translate analyses into clear insights for senior leaders and clinicians.

Skills

Leadership

Data science

Forecasting

Machine learning

Stakeholder engagement

Statistical methods

Model governance

Programming & tooling

Education

Masters in Data Science / Stats / IT

PhD or relevant advanced degree

Tools

Python

R

SQL

ML frameworks

Job description

The Lead Data Scientist is a senior technical and professional leadership role within the Strategic Value Unit, working across the integrated Strategic Value Unit and Population Health Unit function. The postholder will lead the data science discipline, ensuring that advanced analytical methods support strategic commissioning, population health management and evaluation., The postholder will lead complex analytical work. They will determine where advanced data science methods add value, select proportionate approaches and provide technical assurance for high-impact analytical products. The role will:

• provide professional leadership for data science across the Strategic Value Unit and Population Health Unit function;
• lead advanced analytical programmes supporting strategic planning, commissioning, population health management, and evaluation;
• develop and apply forecasting, predictive, risk, segmentation, scenario, simulation and machine-learning methods where these strengthen decision-making;
• lead the development and assurance of analytical tools, including population segmentation, risk stratification and case-finding approaches;
• establish standards for programming, version control, documentation, peer review, model validation and lifecycle management;
• assess model performance, uncertainty, limitations and potential bias, ensuring methods are transparent, reproducible and used responsibly;
• translate complex analysis into clear insights and actionable recommendations for senior leaders, commissioners, clinicians and operational teams;
• work with stakeholders to embed analytical products into strategic and operational decision-making and monitor their continuing effectiveness; and
• build organisational data science capability through line management, coaching, technical supervision and the development of reusable methods and analytical assets. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities to achieve equity of access, experience and outcomes and to recognising and valuing people's differences. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity; we see this as a strength and part of our founding mission, values and behaviours. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers patient outcomes.