Data Scientist

Ascend Project Management; South Dublin; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Project Management is seeking a Data Science Senior Associate to join a global pharmaceutical QC network and lead digital transformation initiatives. You will apply AI/ML and advanced analytics to optimize QC operations, laboratory workflows, and business processes.

The role requires strong Python/SQL skills, cloud experience (AWS/Azure/GCP), and familiarity with GxP regulatory environments. Collaboration across Quality, Data Engineering, and Software teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Data Science, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Strong experience with statistical analysis, ML/AI model development, and predictive analytics.
• Proficiency with Python and SQL; cloud proficiency with AWS/Azure/GCP.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, evaluate, and deploy AI/ML and analytics solutions for QC and business challenges.
• Translate QC processes into scalable production code with engineers.
• Perform data quality assessments and extract actionable insights for process optimization.
• Conduct model validation, monitoring, and continuous optimization to meet regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with global, cross-functional teams using Agile practices under GxP contexts.

Skills

Python

SQL

AWS/Azure/GCP

ML/AI

MLOps

BI Visualization

Education

Advanced degree in Data Science or related field

Tools

Databricks

Spark

Git

Job description

We are working with a global pharmaceutical manufacturing company to hire a Data Science Senior Associate. This person will join a global Quality Control network and contribute to digital transformation and optimization initiatives.

The role will focus on applying AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, and data science to improve QC operations, laboratory workflows, and business processes. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Quality, Data Engineering, Software Engineering, and Information Systems, to design, develop, validate, and deploy scalable digital solutions.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in AI/ML and data science with an understanding of Quality and GxP-regulated environments. This is an opportunity to help shape the next generation of digitally enabled QC operations through innovative, data-driven solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, evaluate, and deploy AI/ML, generative AI, predictive, prescriptive, and advanced analytics solutions to address complex QC and business challenges.
• Convert complex QC processes and business requirements into scalable, production-ready code and digital solutions, working closely with software engineers and data engineers.
• Perform exploratory, descriptive, and targeted data analysis; assess data quality; identify actionable insights; and support optimization of QC workflows and laboratory operations.
• Conduct data verification, scenario testing, model validation, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous optimization to ensure solutions meet business and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with global, cross-functional teams using Agile delivery practices, evaluate emerging technologies, and ensure AI/ML and digital solutions comply with GxP and applicable regulatory standards.

Key Requirements:

• Advanced degree in Data Science, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, or a related discipline, with relevant industry experience; equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered.
• Strong experience with statistical analysis, machine learning, predictive analytics, and AI/ML model development. Experience with generative AI, including LLMs, RAG, agentic workflows, prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and model evaluation, is highly desirable.
• Strong programming capabilities, particularly Python and SQL, with experience using modern data and cloud technologies such as AWS, Azure, GCP, Spark, and/or Databricks.
• Familiarity with MLOps, model versioning, monitoring, testing, reproducibility, deployment pipelines, Git/version control, data quality, and responsible AI practices. Experience with BI and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Spotfire is advantageous.
• Experience working in GxP or other regulated environments, ideally within healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences. Strong problem-solving, documentation, communication, organizational, and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to work independently and effectively in global, cross-functional teams.

Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every applicant.

AscendPM do not forward candidate CVs to clients without prior consent.