Principal Data Engineer

BioTalent Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A globally recognized biopharmaceutical organization is seeking a Data Engineer to work on high-impact projects in various research and development areas. The successful candidate will develop and maintain data pipelines, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations while collaborating with international teams. Strong programming skills and a background in healthcare data are essential. This position offers meaningful work supporting the development of life-changing medicines.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in data engineering, preferably in healthcare, research or clinical data.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL.
• Familiarity with healthcare data standards like CDISC, HL7, FHIR.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain data pipelines for research datasets.
• Create and optimise ETL/ELT processes.
• Ensure data traceability and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Data modeling

Cloud technologies

Containerization

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Life Sciences or related fields

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

NoSQL

Graph databases

Job description

We are working with a global biopharmaceutical organisation dedicated to transforming patient outcomes through pioneering research and development. With a strong focus on serious and complex conditions, this company combines advanced science, innovative technologies, and a patient-first approach to deliver new therapeutic solutions. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, science-led team making a tangible impact on global healthcare.

This role will offer you:

• The opportunity to work on diverse, high-impact data engineering projects across multiple research and development areas, including Clinical Trials, Omics, Real World Data, and more.
• Collaboration with international teams of researchers, data scientists, and stakeholders in a cross-functional setting.
• Exposure to cutting-edge cloud technologies, modern data architecture, and the latest in healthcare data standards.
• A meaningful role where your work directly supports the development of life-changing medicines.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain data pipelines for diverse research datasets using cloud-based technologies.
• Create and optimise ETL/ELT processes for structured and unstructured data.
• Build and manage data repositories and warehousing solutions.
• Develop and implement data quality frameworks, validation processes, and KPIs.
• Ensure data traceability and regulatory compliance through versioning and lineage tracking.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand data requirements and deliver scalable solutions.
• Maintain compliance with data privacy regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA.
• Document architectures, workflows, and data processes while applying modern DevOps best practices.

You will bring:

• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL, with experience in cloud-based services for data engineering.
• Solid understanding of relational databases, data modeling, and unstructured database technologies (e.g. NoSQL, Graph).
• Familiarity with containerisation (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes/EKS) and Agile working environments.
• Exposure to healthcare data standards (CDISC, HL7, FHIR, SNOMED CT, OMOP, DICOM) and relevant regulatory requirements.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Life Sciences, or related fields (Master’s preferred).
• 3–5 years’ experience in data engineering, including experience working with healthcare, research, or clinical data.