Data Scientist - £46,160 - £51,666 p.a. + benefits

The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. Job Summary We are currently looking for Data Scientists x2 to join our Scientific Data \& Insight Function within the Safety \& Surveillance group. One full-time permanent opportunity and one full-time 12 month fixed term contract, internal move, loan or temporary promotion available. These roles will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad. The agency consists of 6 groups – Corporate, Partnerships, Scientific Research \& Innovation, Healthcare Quality \& Access, Safety \& Surveillance, and Digital \& Technology. The Safety and Surveillance Group brings together into a single integrated structure expertise on the safety of all medical products with enforcement capabilities. These functions are supported by the Agency’s data and evidence generating capabilities complementing our signal generating abilities delivered via the common vigilance platform SafetyConnect. Safety remains at the heart of all our decision making across the product life cycle. The central mission of the Safety \& Surveillance portfolio is to protect the public by appropriately identifying, assessing and managing the risks associated with medical products. In every aspect of this work, we harness the best science, technology, information and professional practice to protect patients in new and impactful ways. In support of this mission, the Scientific Data \& Insight (SD\&I) function is responsible for developing expertise in house to deliver evidence to underpin these new approaches. Quality and speed of regulatory decision making is dependent on having access to high-quality, representative data in a timely fashion but also being able to access and analyse in house data and information in the most effective way. A critical aspect of this work will include the exploration and application of new analytical methodologies including AI and machine learning methods such as natural language processing, large language models and computer modelling and simulation approaches. Hence developing and strengthening capacity and capability in data science within MHRA is a key strategic objective to ensure we are best placed to address the future evidence generation needs for both medicines and devices. Job Description The Agency is facing a rapidly evolving external environment involving increasingly complex products and utilisation of these products across an ever more diverse health system. The post holder will have data science expertise to support and develop world-leading vigilance systems designed to gather, collate, and analyse data relevant to the safety of medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. The post holder is responsible for using data science techniques to design and develop innovative and novel analytical approaches to interrogate datasets and generate evidence which is relevant for regulatory decision making. The post holder will ensure access to real world data in a timely fashion for regulatory needs and develop analytical approaches to make business activities more effective. The post holder will work closely with other members of the Scientific Data \& Insight function and regularly interact with colleagues across the Safety \& Surveillance Group, including the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, and wider Agency. **Key Responsibilities** * Apply data science and machine learning approaches to large and complex datasets using programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia to generate actionable insights and robust evidence. * Communicate approaches and results clearly and effectively to a wide range of stakeholders, including using data visualisation methods. * Produce data science solutions that are robust, reproducible, and scalable by applying technical best practices. * Work cross-functionally to enable the delivery of innovative evidence-generation and collaborate with external partners to enable data-driven discovery in medical product safety. * Apply analytical methods to patient data collated through vigilance systems to support assessment of the safety of medicines and medical devices and advise on the refinement of AI tools for data processing. * Work with vigilance scientists, developers, and epidemiologists to design and optimise vigilance reporting systems, including the application machine learning where appropriate. * Evaluate and optimize data quality, ensure that data science solutions are fit-for-purpose and appropriately maintained, and provide quality assurance where appropriate. * Engage with a wide range of stakeholders to facilitate their use of vigilance tools. * Support the development of grant proposals and the delivery of a sustainable operating model. * Become a rapid expert in unfamiliar areas for driving operational research across the organization. * Ideate and propose new research ideas based on novel technologies identified in horizon scanning such as literature reviews or conferences. The job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the postholder. The Agency is facing a rapidly evolving external environment involving increasingly complex products and utilisation of these products across an ever more diverse health system. The post holder will have data science expertise to support and develop world-leading vigilance systems designed to gather, collate, and analyse data relevant to the safety of medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. The post holder is responsible for using data science techniques to design and develop innovative and novel analytical approaches to interrogate datasets and generate evidence which is relevant for regulatory decision making. The post holder will ensure access to real world data in a timely fashion for regulatory needs and develop analytical approaches to make business activities more effective. The post holder will work closely with other members of the Scientific Data \& Insight function and regularly interact with colleagues across the Safety \& Surveillance Group, including the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, and wider Agency. **Key Responsibilities** * Apply data science and machine learning approaches to large and complex datasets using programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia to generate actionable insights and robust evidence. * Communicate approaches and results clearly and effectively to a wide range of stakeholders, including using data visualisation methods. * Produce data science solutions that are robust, reproducible, and scalable by applying technical best practices. * Work cross-functionally to enable the delivery of innovative evidence-generation and collaborate with external partners to enable data-driven discovery in medical product safety. * Apply analytical methods to patient data collated through vigilance systems to support assessment of the safety of medicines and medical devices and advise on the refinement of AI tools for data processing. * Work with vigilance scientists, developers, and epidemiologists to design and optimise vigilance reporting systems, including the application machine learning where appropriate. * Evaluate and optimize data quality, ensure that data science solutions are fit-for-purpose and appropriately maintained, and provide quality assurance where appropriate. * Engage with a wide range of stakeholders to facilitate their use of vigilance tools. * Support the development of grant proposals and the delivery of a sustainable operating model. * Become a rapid expert in unfamiliar areas for driving operational research across the organization. * Ideate and propose new research ideas based on novel technologies identified in horizon scanning such as literature reviews or conferences. The job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the postholder. Person specification **Essential Criteria:** * Strong experience of using machine learning or data science to analyse and model large datasets. * Experience in developing clear, effective, and reproducible code through data science best practices. * Experience of data visualisation and presentation of complex information. * Experience of working collaboratively within multidisciplinary data science teams and delivering results in a timely way. * Experience of communicating complex data science concepts and results effectively to a wide range of stakeholders. * Interest in applying advanced analytical methods to support the safety of medicines, vaccines and medical devices * A PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Computer Science or a similar quantitative discipline or demonstrable equivalent professional experience (Lead). * Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia. * Understanding of data science best practice. * Proficiency in scalable data analysis, for example using high performance computing. * Demonstrable technical knowledge and skills in at least one of the following domains: mathematical modelling and simulations, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, Bayesian inference. Candidates need to be members of the Government Operational Research profession or meet the membership criteria for the Operational Research profession (numerate degree at 2.1 or significant experience with quantitative analysis). Where candidates who are not members will undergo a standard badging assessment for the Government analytical profession at interview. The postholder must demonstrate in their CV that they meet the minimum requirements for badging. We'll assess you against these professional skills during the selection process: * Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques * Achieving impact with analysis For more information, please see - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gors-technical-framework For further details, please see the GORS website - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-service-government-operational-research-service/about/recruitment. Qualifications A PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Computer Science or a similar quantitative discipline or demonstrable equivalent professional experience. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: * Managing a Quality Service * Working Together * Changing and Improving * Communicating and Influencing Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: * A PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Computer Science or a similar quantitative discipline or demonstrable equivalent professional experience. * Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia. * Understanding of data science best practice. * Proficiency in scalable data analysis, for example using high performance computing. * Demonstrable technical knowledge and skills in at least one of the following domains: mathematical modelling and simulations, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, Bayesian inference. Alongside your salary of £46,160, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £13,372 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window). Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites. We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Remote working is potentially available for some specific roles. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment. * Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays * Privilege Leave: 1 day * Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff * Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months full pay/five months half pay * Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service * Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on 0300 123 6666 * Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance * Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan * Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund * Eligibility to join Motoring , Boundless by CSMA * Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs * On-going learning and development Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. Please submit an anonymised CV which sets out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role. * Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full. * Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage. * Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. If we receive a large number of applications, we will sift on the lead criteria of: PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Computer Science or a similar quantitative discipline or demonstrable equivalent professional experience . Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description. If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible. Closing date: 20 September 2026 Shortlisting date: From 21 September 2026 Interview date: w/c 05 October 2026 (interviews will be on site at 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf) If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here. Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks. Certain Roles Within The MHRA Will Require Post Holders To Have Vaccinations, And In Some Circumstances, Routine Health Surveillance. These Roles Include: * Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens * Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings * Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required * Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required. Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here. Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer. Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater. The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer. Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk. In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact careers@mhra.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk info@csc.gov.uk Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. Security Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups: * UK nationals * nationals of the Republic of Ireland * nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK * nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) * nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) * individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 * Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job Contact : * Name : The Resourcing Team * Email : Careers@mhra.gov.uk Recruitment team * Email : Careers@mhra.gov.uk Further information In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact the Resourcing team at Careers@mhra.gov.uk, in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk - info@csc.gov.uk - Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ