Team Lead, Data science

Portal Biotech; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Greater London is seeking an exceptional data science leader to provide strategic and technical leadership. You will define the data science strategy aligned with scientific goals, oversee a multidisciplinary team, and ensure the integration of advanced machine learning techniques. Ideal candidates have 10+ years of experience, strong programming skills in Python, and a PhD in a quantitative field. Collaborative opportunities and representation at key events are part of the role.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in managing data science teams and delivering complex projects.
• Extensive programming and modelling experience in Python.
• Deep expertise in machine learning for time-series and probabilistic modelling.
• Strong record of translating cutting-edge research into production systems.
• 10+ years relevant experience, preferably in an industry environment.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the organization’s data science strategy.
• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary data science team.
• Oversee the design and integration of scalable analytical models.
• Champion best practices in reproducibility and scientific rigour.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify data-driven innovations.

Skills

Leadership in data science

Python programming

Machine learning expertise

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a quantitative discipline

Tools

NumPy

PyTorch

TensorFlow

SciPy

pandas

Job description

We’re looking for an exceptional individual to lead our data science group: to provide strategic and technical leadership in delivering our analysis infrastructure and developing the tools and algorithms that transform complex, noisy time-series data into actionable insights. You will set the vision for data science across the organisation, ensuring the effective integration of advanced machine learning techniques into our core nanopore technologies. Working with senior leadership, you’ll align data science priorities with company goals, manage a high-performing team, and cultivate an environment that drives innovation in biomedical discovery.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Define and execute the organization’s data science strategy in line with scientific and commercial objectives.
• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary data science team, fostering technical excellence and career development.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and integration of scalable analytical models into production pipelines.
• Champion best practices in reproducibility, validation, and scientific rigour.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for data-driven innovation.
• Represent the company at conferences, workshops, and strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in managing data science teams and delivering complex projects.
• Extensive programming and modelling experience in Python (NumPy, PyTorch/TensorFlow, SciPy, pandas).
• Deep expertise in machine learning for time-series and probabilistic modelling.
• Strong record of translating cutting-edge research into production systems.
• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a quantitative discipline.
• 10+ years relevant experience, preferably in an industry environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.

Desirable

• Proven experience in biological/biomedical data domains.
• Established network in the computational biology/ML research community.
• Contributions to high-impact publications, patent applications or open-source projects.
• Experience navigating regulatory frameworks in biotech/healthcare.